Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By REGINALD KANYANE
14 December 2025- Marking of National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations in 20 centres across the North West concluded smoothly without any challenges. Immediately at 10am on Friday, all 20 marking centres were officially closed down.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said all markers were allowed to travel back home after spending 21 days at their different marking centres. Motsumi said the province officially established 20 marking centres in schools that have hostel facilities and the department appointed 4017 markers.
“We would like to thank all the markers and wish them a safe journey back home. On behalf of the entire department, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to all our markers for the sterling work they have performed. We never received any challenge or complaint during the entire marking period.
“These markers sacrificed their comfort of being with their families and chose to perform the national duty instead. I believe that, as the entire country, we should salute them; without them we are nothing. I wish them a very safe journey back to their homes to be with their loved ones,” she said.
Motsumi further said the capturing of the marks is expected to be concluded by 15 December 2025.
14 December 2025- The police in Rustenburg reached a significant advancement in the search for crime syndicates menacing the area. The police said crime intelligence received a tip-off on 8 December 2025, regarding the suspects who were allegedly involved in illegal mining, business robberies, extortions and other serious crimes within the area.
The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said on 10 December 2025, the police located two suspects and upon arrival in Nkaneng Informal Settlement, outside Rustenburg, the police proceeded to identified addresses. Bobelo said the first suspect was found in possession of an illegal firearm (pistol) and ammunition and was arrested.
“The second suspect led the police to where a pistol was hidden in a sports bag at a nearby residential place. The duo was immediately arrested. Thabiso Edwin Mafeeo (28) and Teboho Ishmael Makae (22) were charged with possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
“They appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday. They were remanded in custody until 19 December 2025,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their exceptional work in tracking and apprehending the culprits. Naidoo said the police will stop at nothing to remove all illegal weapons from the streets and ensure the prevalence of safety.
14 December 2025- In a remarkable display of cooperation and resolve, the police in Mooinooi solidified the pursuit of safety in the community to neutralise the threat posed by illegal miners within the area. A formidable team composed of members from the Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Policing (POP) and Visible Policing (VISPOL) commenced with an operation on 12 December 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said upon arrival in Mooinooi, the police discovered eleven suspects that were digging within the area and two bakkies were found with stones/rocks inside suspected to be chrome. Bobelo said all eleven suspects aged between 20 and 45, were arrested for illegal mining and two motor vehicles and various tools that were used to dig were seized.
“In addition, two of the eleven suspects were found to be undocumented foreign nationals and were charged with contravention of Section 49 of the Immigration Act (2002).
“The accused are expected to make their first court appearance on 15 December 2025, before the Brits Magistrate’s Court,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the team’s bravery and hard work in combating illegal mining. Naidoo stated that the police will work relentlessly to combat illegal mining and lawlessness.
14 December 2025 – After qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup almost two months ago, Bafana Bafana are back in camp preparing for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament to be held in Morocco later this month. The South African Football Association (SAFA) said it has moved to address growing misconceptions in the media suggesting that Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos is racist and sexist.
SAFA president, Danny Jordaan said the claims surfaced after Broos criticised the professional conduct of a senior national team player and expressed frustration over what he deemed as the player’s agent premature push for his move overseas. Jordaan said his remarks, made during a recent press conference ahead of the team’s preparations for the AFCON, were subsequently misconstrued.
“SAFA maintains that Broos’s strongly worded comments, aimed purely at football matters, were misinterpreted and later amplified into unfounded character accusations.
“It is mind-boggling that the coach would be described in such a manner towards a player he has consistently supported since selecting him for the first time a few months ago,” he said.
Jordaan further clarified that Broos’s remarks regarding the player’s agent were intended to underscore the importance of football agents prioritising players’ welfare and long-term development over short-term financial gain. He added that SAFA noted that a language barrier contributed to the coach’s frustrations not being fully or clearly conveyed during the interview, leading to misunderstandings about his intent.
“The organisation emphasises that there was no discriminatory motive behind the coach’s remarks. SAFA stressed that in Broos’ four years at the helm, neither players nor staff have raised any issues related to racism, sexism, or discrimination of any kind.
“We credited Broos’ forthright approach to issues affecting players and the national team as a key factor in building the squad’s current strength and unity. We further credited him with playing a key role in transforming the national team, highlighting his insistence on high standards and the reciprocal commitment shown by the players,” said Jordaan.
He said that as the Bafana Bafana squad prepares for AFCON and looks ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they urge the public to recognise the coach’s contribution and rally behind the team ahead of the forthcoming continental showpiece.
“SAFA, the players and the staff are all fully behind Broos and we are now completely focused on our participation in the AFCON in a few days’ time,” said Jordaan.
Meanwhile, Broos said it is unfortunate that his strong rebuke of the player’s conduct and subsequent comments were misinterpreted as racism and sexism. He said he distanced himself from any accusation of racism and sexism.
Picture: Explosives discovered during roadblock/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
14 December 2025- On 12 December 2025, Stilfontein Police during Operation Shanela 2, discovered and seized explosives hidden in a motor vehicle travelling on the N12 between Stilfontein and Klerksdorp. The police stopped the motor vehicle, whilst conducting a routine roadblock.
The North West police spokesperson, Thuto Bobelo said upon searching the vehicle, the police discovered six bags containing explosives and explosive accessories. Bobelo said three suspects aged between 41 and 48, were immediately arrested for possession of explosives according to the Explosives Act, 26 of 1956, section 28(1).
“A bomb technician was called to the scene and safely packaged and sealed the explosives. There were estimated 150 shock-tube detonator assemblies, close to 40 electric shock-tube initiators, and 5 blasting cartridges.
“The trio are expected to make their first appearance on Monday before the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the team’s vigilance and said that the police will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure a safer festive season.
Picture: Former Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe
By OBAKENG MAJE
14 December 2025- Former Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Reginald Gaoraelwe is challenging his removal and has given the municipality 48 honours to reinstate him. Gaoraelwe has allegedly sent summons to the municipality through his lawyers saying that the municipal special council meeting convened in Seoding Community Hall, near Taung on 27 November 2025, to remove him through a motion of no confidence was unlawful.
In the letter that was seen by The Guardian Newspaper, Gaoraelwe alleged that, on or about 25 November 2025, he was served with a “(Notice of a special council meeting”) in terms of Section 29(1) of the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, (hereinafter referred to as the “Act”) scheduled for 27 November 2025 at Seoding Community Hall. He alleged the agenda, as served, listed a motion of no confidence.
“The abovementioned motion was tabled with recommendation for the immediate removal of me as well as my immediate removal from the executive committee by councillors Masego Mokua, Pico Seepamere, Amogelang Matuane and Lephoi respectively.
“The motion was subsequently granted and I was removed from office. The reasons for such removal as cited in the motion, was citing non-attendance of certain council meetings, as well as having brought the municipality into disrepute as a result of motor vehicle collisions, which I was involved in with vehicles owned by the municipality,” he said.
Gaoraelwe further said his removal did not comply with Standard Procedure in terms of the “Standing Rules of Order for Council Meetings of Greater Taung Local Municipality”(the “Rules”) as adopted by the abovementioned council in 2022, in that, he was not given prior mandatory notice of the “Motion of No Confidence”. He added that, due process was not followed as this would have allowed him an opportunity to be aware of the allegations.
“It is therefore my contention that my removal violates mandatory statutory and procedural requirements, rendering the decision null and void and impacting severely on the fundamental aspect of fairness relating to such matters.
“Rule 21 was not complied with in that the motion was not entered on the agenda paper, in the order that it was received in accordance with Rule 21.8 resulting in the motion being procedurally invalid,” said Gaoraelwe.
He said furthermore, a violation of Section 53 of “the Act” in that no prior notice was given of the motion of no confidence, prior to the meeting and he only became aware of the motion whilst at the meeting convened. Gaoraelwe said this was therefore procedurally unfair and in contravention of the Audi Alteram Partem Rule.
“Furthermore, there was a breach of the Code of Conduct, where an investigation of the facts and circumstances of the alleged breach, providing the councillor with reasonable opportunity to respond to the alleged breach and reporting the matter to a meeting of the municipal council after (a) and (b) as mentioned above have been complied with, were not carried out by the speaker.
“None of these requirements were met. It is furthermore my contention that proper governance process was not followed as Conflicts of Interest were not managed. The speaker failed to request that I recuse himself, while simultaneously failing to afford me any opportunity to respond,” he said.
Gaoraelwe said this violates the principles of impartiality, natural justice and ethical governance. He said as a result of the abovementioned actions, the speaker’s office is in breach of the “Act” and the “Rules” and consequently results in the motion of no confidence being invalid.
“The removal decision is null and void and the election of Thandiwe Sebe as a mayor, is therefore unlawful. So, I remain the lawful mayor of the Greater Taung Local Municipality. I now hereby demand that the unlawful decision of 27 November 2025, be withdrawn immediately.
“I must be reinstated to my position as a mayor within 48 hours of receipt of this letter. Written confirmation of compliance will be provided to me. Council ceased all activities, inconsistent with my lawful reinstatement,” said Gaoraelwe.
He demands full reinstatement within 48 hours, failure of which will result in him launching an urgent High Court proceeding seeking a declaratory order setting aside the unlawful removal. Gaoraelwe said he will seek an order to reinstate him as a mayor, costs on the attorney-and-own client scale, including further appropriate relief.
12 December 2025- In reaffirming the SAPS pledge to root out all crime this festive period, a team composed of members from the ZF Mgcawu District Task Team and Upington Crime Prevention, arrested an alleged drug dealer (30) in Raaswater on 9 December 2025. The police said this comes after they received a tip‑off regarding a man allegedly selling drugs in Raaswater.
ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the team operationalised the intelligence and secured a search warrant authorizing them to search the premises. Masegela said a coordinated search of the premises was conducted where Tik (methamphetamine) and Mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R 140 200 were discovered hidden in a container on the roof of the house.
“The suspect is expected to appear in the Upington Magistrate’s Court soon. The operation underscores our commitment to the community policing strategy to prevent, combat, and investigate crime.
“SAPS commended the informer for this brave action of sharing pivotal information which resulted in a positive success,” she said.
Picture: Law enforcement officials during roadblock/ Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
12 December 2025- The police said Operation Shanela 2 Safer Festive Season operations continue to gain momentum with disruptive actions. The police said the operation is comprised of SAPS members from Kimberley, Galeshewe, Kagisho, the Tactical Response Team, Flying Squad, Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit, K9 Unit, Mounted Unit, Provincial Firearms, Liquor and Second Hand Goods (FLASH), Proactive Policing, ORS, the Northern Cape Liquor Board, Sol Plaatje Municipal Traffic, Peace Officers and the Department of Home Affairs.
The Kimberley police spokesperson, Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane said a parade was conducted under the Operational command of the Kimberley Police Station Commander, Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana together with Brigadier Simon Bopape from the FLASH Head Office participating in the police actions. Gopane said several Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) were set up across the greater Kimberley area, during which 204 vehicles were stopped and 334 persons searched.
“Multiple traffic fines amounting to R24 450 were issued along with admission of guilt fines totalling R3000. In addition, pamphlets were distributed to motorists. Compliance inspections were carried out at tuck shops, shebeens and liquor outlets.
“Four businesses were closed for non-compliance and fines were issued. During the second phase of the operation, high-visibility patrols were conducted, including stop-and-search activities,” she said.
Picture: A missing woman, Ichrene Savada Sussana Windstaan found unharmed/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
12 December 2025- The police in Kakamas said a woman, Ichrene Savada Sussana Windstaan (40), who was recently reported as missing, has been found through the assistance of the public and is safely reunited with her family. The police said they acknowledge and appreciate the community members who are always willing to assist in policing.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the public is urged to stay safe this festive season by enhancing child safety precautions and security measures. Masegela said incidents can be reported to the police on SAPS Emergency line 08600 10111/ MySAPSApp.
12 December 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) on Friday applauded the recent three life terms of imprisonment imposed on convicted Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) perpetrator, Mothupi Tjale Tau (36) from Brooklyn in Sekhukhune District by the Limpopo High Court. SAUCIC said Tau who had presented himself as a prophet to offer spiritual guidance to the Malepe family, was given additional 37 years imprisonment for multiple offences, including two counts of murder, two counts of kidnapping, rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
SAUCIC President Cardinal Arch Bishop Dr Patrick Modiri Shole said on behalf of affiliated Federations of Charismatic, Evangelical Outreach Mission Ministries and Pentecostal Churches, they trust that the stiff sentence would serve as a different to other heartless perpetrators of GBVF who are abusing their authority, as well as trust gained by virtue of them masquerading as servants of God, while they are deceitful and manipulative wolves in sheep skin.
Shole expressed hope that the family that had lost two of their loved ones, i.e. Helen Teiwa Malepe and her daughter Kgaogelo Michelle Malepe will find closure knowing that justice has been served.
“The appropriate sentence will go a long way towards restoring confidence in the criminal justice system, while also sending an unequivocal message against gender-based violence and femicide.
“Characters like Tau who target vulnerable victims that are desperate are scammers and fraudsters that are a disgrace to the Body of Christ and also bring the church into disrepute,” he said.
Shole further said his coldblooded murder of the mother and her daughter, as well as the despicable rape are heinous and treacherous acts. He added that the trauma that Tau had caused to the boy (5), by subjecting him to barbaric and psychological torture was unimaginable and heartrending to say the least.
“Tau’s removal from society as per the court judgement is not only appropriate but desirable for the safety of everyone in the area. The court had found that Tau, who had pleaded not guilty, presented himself at the Oaks village to the house of the deceased, Hellen Malepe between 29 and 30 December 2023, to demand money for services rendered.
“He forcefully dragged the deceased from her house to the nearby bushes, where he stabbed her multiple times leaving her for dead, robbing her of her cell phone before fleeing the scene,” said Shole.
He said the accused then went back to the house of the deceased (mother) and found the second deceased, her daughter and strangled her until she was unconscious, thereafter raped her inside their home. Shole said Tau also inflicted grievous bodily injuries on her.
“She later succumbed to her injuries and was certified dead at the scene inside her home. After the ordeal, he stuffed her son (5) with a jersey in his mouth, tied him with a masking tape around his mouth and tied his hands behind his back and locked him inside the house, leaving him in full exposure of her deceased sister’s lifeless body.
“After thorough investigation by the police, the accused was arrested and kept in custody until his trial. The accused was ultimately found guilty of these charges after he claimed that he was not responsible for these vile acts,” he said.
Shole said the court further ordered for his name to be registered in the National Register of the Sexual Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the firearms control Act 60 of 2000. He said the accused is further not eligible to work with children.
The Guardian 