16 December 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) in the North West said it has noted with serious concern the misleading and malicious social media posts circulating regarding the ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo in relation to a recent case of alleged extortion involving ANC Bojanala regional secretary, Raymond Moraile and a ward councillor Madibeng Local Municipality, Peter Legong who is also a Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC). The ANC said it wishes to categorically state that Diremelo is not associated with nor has he had any involvement in the alleged activities in the case as it is currently the subject of investigation by law enforcement agencies.
The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said any attempt to link Diremelo to these allegations is false, unfounded and deliberately misleading. Maruping said these reckless social media posts appear to be part of a coordinated campaign aimed at tarnishing the image and integrity of the leadership of the ANC in the province, sowing confusion among members of society and undermining public confidence in the organisation.
“The ANC in the North West reiterates its firm stance against corruption, extortion, and all forms of criminality. The movement remains committed to the principles of accountability, ethical leadership and the rule of law. Where members or deployees of the ANC are alleged to have committed wrongdoing, the organisation expects that due process must take its course without fear or favour.
“We further call on members of the public, the media and users of social media platforms to exercise responsibility, refrain from spreading unverified information and allow law enforcement agencies to conduct their investigations without interference,” he said.
Maruping further said the ANC urges those behind the dissemination of false information and even using ghost accounts to desist from these actions and warns that the organisation reserves the right to take appropriate action against individuals or entities that continue to defame its leaders and structures. He added that the former liberation movement remains focused on serving the people of the North West and advancing the program of renewal, unity, and ethical governance.
Picture: Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality mayor, Sebang Motlhabi
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 December 2025- Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality mayor, Sebang Motlhabi is accused of assaulting a traffic officer and Emergency Medical Rescue Service (EMRS) personnel on Friday. This comes after his brother, Itumeleng Motlhabi, was involved in an accident on N12 road, approximately 10km outside Bloemhof towards Wolmaranstad.
Poloko Sere, who was also involved in an accident, alleged that she was disappointed in how Sebang conducted himself. Sere alleged that the mayor’s brother was speeding, and fortunately, she was driving slowly due to rain.
“They were from a party as their vehicle was having alcohol. While we were there, the mayor of Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality, Sebang Motlhabi, who is known for assaulting people, started to assault the EMRS personnel and a traffic officer. I was with my children and my little one was traumatized. The situation was made worse by the behaviour of the person who was supposed to be a good leader.
“Instead, he assaulted the traffic officer on duty. He was also rude while the EMRS personnel were looking for P1. They proposed that the children also be attended to because they were traumatised. However, he started to insult people,” she said.
Sere further said only if the mayor had let the EMRS personnel to do their work, maybe his brother could have survived. She added that even if she felt sorry and understood that he is a human being, he was not supposed to insult people who are there to assist.
“He belittled me, but is ok. Even if my grandson is injured, I praise God to Almighty for saving me. I wish his brother was alive to see the trauma, severe anxiety and pain he caused to my kids. My elder son is autistic and suffering from Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Please, spread the word that, when people are from year end parties and drunk, they should not drive.
“I’m so exhausted emotionally and spiritually. This is the same politician we voted for and failed to render service to us. But, he belittles and assaults us. I heard the same mayor has many assault cases, but he is never being arrested. But from me as a single parent, I give everything to God,” said Sere.
However, Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality mayor, Sebang Motlhabi refuted the allegations and described them as absurd. Motlhabi said he lost a brother due to unscrupulous services he received from EMRS personnel who attended the accident scene.
“Those personnel took time to attend to a critical patient. I received a call around 3:58pm that informed me that my brother is involved in a car accident. So, it took me about 6 minutes to drive to the scene because it is just 10km from Bloemhof to Wolmaranstad. When we arrived there, we found the EMRS personnel sitting inside their ambulance, but two patients were lying critically on the ground without any assistance. On arrival, I said to them, this is an emergency, why do not they quickly stabilise these patients and ferry them to hospital?
“However, they just kept quiet, but female EMRS personnel said they could not do anything as they were securing the scene. She took out cones from the ambulance. I asked them why they secured the scene, while there were police already on the scene with blue lights on,” said Motlhabi.
Motlhabi said he told EMRS personnel that it is their obligation to save lives, which they did not do. He said unfortunately, they had to wait for about 20 minutes before the EMRS personnel attended to the patients.
“However, when they attended to the patients, they administered supplemental oxygen to my brother and did not monitor it. This resulted in the oxygen choking him and the foam came out. Even my wife told them that there is foam coming out of my brother’s mouth, but they just ignored her.
“We asked them why they put the oxygen on a critical patient without monitoring it. My brother passed away around 9:10pm and for the past 45 minutes, he was lying there without proper assistance from the EMRS personnel,” said Motlhabi.
He said it is erroneous for people to expect them to accept this kind of treatment, simply because they are holding positions of responsibilities. Motlhabi said he opened a culpable homicide case against EMRS personnel who were involved and he would now pursue a civil case against them after the funeral of his brother.
“I am going to pursue a civil case against these personnel, not the North West Department of Health. We cannot at all times sue the government, whereas there are individuals who are reluctant to do their duties. I did not assault anyone. At the time, I was holding a torch and immediately after my brother passed away, I threw it to the ground and told these EMRS personnel that I have been telling them to attend to my brother, but they did not listen.
“Now, he is no more. This is politically motivated because I read the media statement released by the South African Emergency Personnel’s Union (SAEPU), where they highlighted that I must step-aside. So, they have already concluded their case that I am guilty? However, the credible court of law will take a decision on the matter,” he said.
SAEPU president, Mpho Mpogeng said: “The mayor did not only attack the traffic officer and the paramedic, but he also belittled and verbally abused the woman, showing no compassion or humanity. He obstructed the paramedics from providing medical assistance to her children, whereas one of them has a disability. The mayor displayed a lack of empathy and disregard for human life.”
Picture: Miss Naledi Beauty Pageant competition winner, Galaletso Molomonyane/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
15 December 2025- Kgalaletso Ruth Molomonyane (30) said she is still having goose bumps and mixed emotion after being crowned the winner of Miss Naledi Beauty Pageant completion. The event was held at the Naledi Local Municipality Theatre in Vryburg on Saturday evening.
Molomonyane said she was inspired to become a beauty pageant from a tender age. The Moswana-born beauty pageant further said taking part in various beauty pageant competitions from an early age taught her resilience, courage and the power of dreams.
She added that growing up, she learned that challenges can never silence a determined heart.
“I am passionate about empowering women and inspiring young girls to believe that their background does not define their future. So, I joined Miss Naledi to be a voice of hope, dignity and positive change.
“This platform is more than a crown, it is a chance to show that even a girl from a small, dusty village can rise, shine and create her own future. Aspiring beauty entrepreneurs create products that empower women to feel confident, loved, and celebrated,” said Molomonyane.
She is committed to grow as a leader and uses her journey to uplift others. Molomonyane also motivates learners at various schools and supports community upliftment initiatives.
“I am passionate about youth empowerment. So, I joined the Miss Naledi Beauty Pageant competition to inspire young women from humble beginnings. I wanted to give hope to the unseen and show that with courage and determination, we can rise above challenges. We can also take up space and make an impact within our communities.
“Miss Naledi has been a journey of growth, courage, and self-discovery. It taught me that true beauty lies in purpose, kindness, and impact. This experience strengthened my desire to empower women through my beauty brand, mentor young girls, and serve my community with love, integrity, and passion,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane has congratulated Molomonyane. Lenkopane said the Miss Naledi Beauty Pageant, a woman-led initiative aimed at empowering young women and promoting leadership, confidence, and entrepreneurship among youth in the Naledi Local Municipality.
“We reaffirm the department’s commitment to intensifying support for youth-led business initiatives, with a specific focus on young women entrepreneurs who demonstrate an interest in running sustainable businesses.
“Initiatives such as the Miss Naledi Beauty Pageant align with the department’s broader economic development agenda, which prioritises youth and women empowerment. The department’s Entrepreneur Innovation Hubs, established in collaboration with institutions of higher learning,” she said.
Lenkopane said through these hubs, young women who are already enrolled at universities and colleges, and who show an interest in entrepreneurship, are identified, supported and developed to emerge as successful entrepreneurs. She said as part of its partnership with the pageant organisers, her department sponsored prizes for the winners, which include start-up machinery and equipment valued at R300 000 for the winner.
“We also offer business support valued at R100 000 for runner-up and business support valued at R50 000 for third winner. In addition, all other contestants will benefit from participation in a business registration workshop, followed by a comprehensive business management training programme.
“The programme will cover entrepreneurship fundamentals, business planning, financial management basics, branding, customer engagement, operational efficiency, and pitching skills, culminating in a practical pitch competition,” said Lenkopane.
She said through this integrated approach of start-up support, skills development, training, and mentorship, the department is positioning pageantry as a catalyst for economic growth, inclusive development, and the advancement of women-led enterprises in the province.
15 December 2025- The police in Calvinia arrested nine suspects during proactive stop and search operations conducted between 12 and 13 December 2025. During routine patrols and stop and search operations across Calvinia, police discovered drugs in the possession of nine suspects.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said each suspect was found with drugs concealed in their clothing. Mangerman said the arrests highlight the unwavering commitment of Calvinia SAPS members to combating substance abuse and drug-related crime.
“These operations reaffirm that SAPS remains vigilant and resolute, irrespective of the scale of the offence. All nine suspects were issued with warnings and are expected to appear before the Calvinia Magistrate’s Court in March 2026, on charges related to the possession of drugs,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended members of Visible Policing (Vispol) in Calvinia for their dedication and proactive approach to crime prevention.
“These arrests reflect the determination of our members to rid our streets of illegal substances, regardless of the quantity involved. Every action counts in our fight against this scourge. The police continue to urge community members to report any suspicious activities or drug-related crimes to the police,” he said.
15 December 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) in the North West said it has noted the recent arrests effected by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) involving the ANC Bojanala regional secretary, Raymond Moraile and councillor, Peter Legong, who is a Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) in the Madibeng Local Municipality on allegations of extortion. The ANC said it reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, organizational renewal and the fight against corruption.
The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said in line with the resolutions of the 54th national conference and the organization’s Integrity and step-aside guidelines, the ANC will implement the step-aside rule as it relates to the affected individuals. Maruping said Moraile and Legong are expected to appear in court on 15 December 2025.
“The ANC will continue to monitor developments in the matter, while allowing due legal processes to unfold without interference. The organization remains committed to upholding its values, ensuring accountability and protecting the integrity of the movement,” he said.
It is alleged that the arrest was carried out by the Hawks in collaboration with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), following months of investigation into allegations of financial misconduct. According to the SIU, several mayors and municipal managers in the district lodged formal complaints against Moraile, accusing him of demanding R250 000 per month.
Moraile alleged that these payments were necessary to secure their positions, insisting that he had played a role in their appointments and could protect them from political rivals seeking their removal. One mayor reported being summoned to secret meetings, where Moraile introduced associates he allegedly wanted appointed to lucrative municipal projects.
These meetings, according to whistleblowers, were designed to channel contracts toward individuals aligned with Moraile’s faction. A municipal manager further alleged that Moraile demanded R750 000 to fund delegates attending the ANC’s National General Council (NGC) in Gauteng.
When the municipal manager could only raise R150 000, Moraile reportedly threatened to orchestrate his removal, accusing him of supporting rival factions opposed to Moraile’s leadership.
The SIU allegedly confirmed that Moraile’s arrest is part of a broader investigation into approximately 15 ANC leaders and municipal officials across Bojanala District. He added that municipalities under scrutiny include Moretele, Madibeng, Rustenburg, Moses Kotane, KgetlengRivier, and Bojanala District Municipality.
Meanwhile, further arrests are anticipated and investigators cautioned that the process remains lengthy and complex.
15 Sedimonthole 2025- Banna ba le babedi ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mabapi le polao ya rra ditekesi, Mpho Monchonyane ga mmogo le modisa wa gagwe. Go begwa fa monna wa dingwaga di le 59, wa kwa motseng wa Modimong, gaufi le Taung, ele morulaganyi wa polao ya baswi.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, o tlhalosistse fa banna ba, ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno mabapi le polao.
Mokgatlho wa ditekesi mono Taung wa Greater Taung United Taxi Association (GTUTA) o tlhalositse fa loso la ga Monchonyane le ba tlogetse ba iphotlhere. Go begwa fa Monchonyane ga mmogo le modisa wa gagwe ba ile a thuntsiwa ke batho ba ba sa itsiweng kwa morakeng wa gagwe kwa motseng wa Letlhapong.
Go begwa fa ditopo tsa banna ba, di bonwe mo letsatsing la Tshipi mo mosong, mme di na le dintho tsa go thuntsiwa.
Sebueledi sa mokgatlho wa GTUTA, Oarabeng Plaatjie are loso la ga Monchonyane le ba robile dipelo. Plaatjie are ga ba kgone le go amogela loso la modiri ka bone, mme ba ipotsa gore go rileng.
“Go fitlha ga jaana, ga se re itse gore sebakwa sa gore Monchonyane a thuntsiwe le go bolawa ke eng. Ke fela gore ka boripa, re dula ka letshogo mme re ipotsa gore go latela mang fa ele gore dipalo tse di ka tswa di golaganngwa le ditekesi, fela ga re dumele.
“Ga re dumela thata gore dipolao tse di ka tswa di golaganngwa le ditekesi. Monchonyane ene le motho o boikobo, mme re dira le ene sentle. One a dira tiro ya gagwe ka manontlhotlho ebile a reetsa. Ene e se motho o neng a na le dilo tse dintsitsi, mme a le bonolo. Monchonyane ene ele modulasetilo wa tsela ya Randfontein ga mmogo le Klerksdorp,” Plaatjie.
Picture: Fourteen Ethiopian nationals were intercepted upon arrival/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
14 December 2025- The acting Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Jane Thupana has confirmed two significant interceptions carried out by BMA immigration and border law enforcement teams at OR Tambo International Airport on 11 December 2025. Thupana said these interventions form part of the authority’s intensified efforts to combat human trafficking, irregular migration and transnational organised crime, particularly during the festive season peak.
She further said in the first incident, on 11 December, fourteen Ethiopian nationals, comprising five males and nine females, were intercepted upon arrival. Thupana added they were all travelling on Ethiopian Airlines flight.
“Their interception followed the BMA’s analysis of passenger details, which flagged their movement pattern as suspicious. Preliminary investigations revealed a modus operandi commonly used in human trafficking syndicates, where individuals attempt to transit through South Africa en route to neighbouring countries and later re-enter South Africa.
“As a result of these findings, all 14 individuals were intercepted. In a separate incident, 16 Bangladeshi men were intercepted after BMA officials discovered that they were in possession of fraudulent visas,” she said.
Thupana said the group arrived in another Ethiopian airline and were identified after officers noticed them blending suspiciously among South African travellers in the maze area. She said through profiling, the individuals were separated from the queue and referred to the BMA Border Law Enforcement Office for secondary investigation.
“Their documentation was confirmed to be fraudulent and their intentions inconsistent with legitimate travel, raising concerns of possible human trafficking activity.
“We commend the officers involved for their vigilance, technical capability and swift action, emphasising that these interceptions demonstrate the effectiveness of the BMA’s intelligence-led approach to border management,” said Thupana.
She noted that the authority’s integrated use of advanced passenger data, behavioural profiling and on-the-ground enforcement remains central to preventing South Africa from being exploited as a corridor for criminal networks. Thupana said the BMA continues to tighten border security measures during the festive season and remains committed to protecting the Republic from irregular migration, visa fraud, and human trafficking syndicates.
“The authority will continue to work with national and international partners to ensure that South Africa’s ports of entry are secure and that all attempts to undermine national security are decisively countered,” she said.
14 December 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management said it will resume its hearings into the affairs of the North West Transport Investment (NTI) on 16 January 2026.
The committee will proceed with issuing summons to the Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP), Thomas Sammons, the Directors of Triponza, Ziggy Investments and TansNat (NTI service providers), Abel Kenoshi, former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of NTI.
The Chairperson of the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management, Freddy Sonakile said the individuals, who have been summoned are expected to account for a range of governance, financial management and operational issues currently under investigation by the committee. Sonakile said a central concern for the committee has been the ongoing challenges related to the payment of NTI workers’ salaries.
“The committee engaged the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, as well as the acting CEO of NTI, Dr Ntlhopeng Dikobe, to ensure that salary payments are protected and prioritised.
“The MEC has confirmed positive progress following engagements with his Gauteng counterpart and the Minister of Transport, Minister Barbara Creecy. The committee commends NTI workers for holding a peaceful picket on 11 December 2025, which successfully captured the attention of the Minister, the MEC, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and national union leadership,” he said.
Sonakile further said this action was followed by the MEC’s announcement that two months’ outstanding salaries will be paid by 17 December 2025. He added they will continue to monitor developments closely to ensure that commitments made by the executive are honoured.
“Our hope is that NTI workers will receive what is due to them and enjoy a dignified festive season like all South Africans. We reiterate that once the subsidy is paid, it must be safeguarded by being deposited into an account fully controlled by the government, to ensure proper oversight.
“The committee will reconvene in the new year with renewed focus to finalise its hearings on the functionality and governance of NTI,” said Sonakile.
Picture: The vehicle that the trio was travelling in intercepted by the police/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
14 December 2025- Three accused, Menzi Mngadi (42) driver, Peter Legong (39), ward councillor at Madibeng Local Municipality and ANC regional secretary in Bojanala, Raymond Mogaile (40), have appeared briefly in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court following their arrest at Menlyn on 11 December 2025, by the Anti-Corruption Investigation, Head Office of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
The trio were arrested in an intelligence-driven operation after they demanded a gratification amounting to R300 000 from a local businessman in exchange for the awarding of a tender, which was advertised by the Madibeng Local Municipality during November 2025.
The Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said it is alleged that the complainant was contacted by one of the suspects inquiring if the businessman was interested in being assisted to secure a tender. Mogale said subsequently, the trio is reported to have arranged a meeting with the businessman, wherein they discussed the amount to exchange hands.
“The law abiding businessman then reported the matter to the Serious Corruption Investigation who in turn obtained the necessary documents to set up an operation.
“The case against the trio was postponed to 15 December 2025, for further investigation,” she said.
Picture: North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
14 December 2025- The newly-established MUNIMEC structure will go a long way in strengthening governance and service delivery across the province, the North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie, told members of mayoral councils from various municipalities at the launch of MUNIMEC forum in Mahikeng on Friday.
Dantjie said this is a platform that will enable them as leaders to build on collaboration, innovation and responsive governance for the betterment of the people they serve. She said it will also help them to monitor and evaluate service delivery commitments by stakeholders.
“The forum will convene its meetings once per quarter to track progress on service delivery, to discuss and resolve a wide range of issues affecting the local government sphere.
“The MUNIMEC provides a platform for the provincial government and municipalities to interact regularly, ensuring a coordinated approach to service delivery and governance issues,” said Dantjie.
She further said MUNIMEC is a consultative forum typically established at the provincial level, bringing together the MEC and members of mayoral council responsible for social development, community development and special programmes in their respective municipalities. Dantjie added that the launch and operation of MUNIMEC structure is a practical implementation of the country’s cooperative governance model, aiming at bridging gaps between spheres of government to improve the living conditions of communities.
“A MUNIMEC structure stems from the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996: Section 40(1) establishes government as national, provincial, and local spheres that are distinctive, interdependent, and interrelated.
“Section 41 mandates that all spheres of government must cooperate with one another in mutual trust and good faith, which includes supporting and consulting each other on matters of common interest,” she said.
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