Category Archives: NEWS

Saulsville hostel massacre a senseless brutal act of terror 

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Picture: Saulsville hostel shooting scene

By REGINALD KANYANE 

7 December 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) said it is horrified by the massacre of people killed during an attack at the Saulsville hostel west of Pretoria, which it described as a senseless brutal act of terror. The death toll rose from 11 to 12 after one more victim from the early Saturday morning shooting died in hospital.  

The Union Council of affiliated Federations of Charismatic, Evangelical Outreach Mission Ministries and Pentecostal Churches called on police not to leave any stone unturned until those responsible for the indiscriminate shooting of hostel dwellers that included a three-year-old child, 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl are unmasked and behind bars.

SAUCIC President Cardinal Arch Bishop Dr Patrick Modiri Shole said they wish to condemn in the strongest terms possible the horrendous and ghastly act that has sent a shockwave across all of their communities and convey their deepest condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones in such a heartrending manner. Shole said they wish the 13 hospitalised victims that survived the massacre a speedy recovery.

“South African Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that police have launched a manhunt for three suspects reportedly behind the attack. We urge communities to assist police in their investigation to ensure that the heartless murderers are speedily removed from society.

“While appealing for calm, fervent prayers and united action, we also call for intensified effort to rid our communities of proliferation of guns and senseless violence claiming innocent lives,” he stressed.

Shole remarked that violent crime cannot continue to reign havoc while terrorized communities watch helplessly. He emphasised that the speedy arrest of those responsible for the vicious killings will restore confidence in the police and the criminal justice system.

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Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre construction project marred with irregularities and disputes 

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Picture: Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre construction project

By OBAKENG MAJE 

7 December 2025- The Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) has raised a flag against the R28 million refurbishment and upgrades to the existing Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre construction project. This comes after the project was brought to a grinding halt due to irregularities and disputes. 

The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane said the Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre construction project is one of the six projects that are all clustered together. Lenkopane said other projects are the hotel gate construction, security fence, residential area for learners and water reticulation and sewer control system. 

“Now, this is the sixth project related to the construction of the Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre. This is a multi-year project that started a long time ago. In the 2025/26 financial year, we had an audit which has to cover the work from 2016 till to date. And it revealed a number of things that the department has to undergo as part of the audit action plan.

“Amongst those would be to look into the irregularities that happened and to apply corrective measures. Yes, there is no work happening in terms of construction, but there is a lot of work that is happening to respond to the issues that were raised by the AGSA, which I think the department is almost at the point of concluding the investigations,” she said. 

Lenkopane further said her department is also in the process of concluding the dispute between the department and the implementing agency, which is Independent Development Trust (IDT). She added that they had to respond to the findings of the investigations, including things that AGSA has revealed. 

“Now, we urge the community to bear with us because we are at the point where immediately after the conclusion of the dispute between the department and the IDT, we are intending to explore other avenues of coming up with implementing agency that will then carry the contract of the Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre construction project.

“The contractor was not fired, but he could not reach an agreement with IDT, which is the implementing agency that appointed him. However, this matter is between the two, but where we are as government, we are confident that in the new commencement of the year, we would have then dealt with all these issues that were raised and have new implementing agency, which would be able to sped up the process,” said Lenkopane.

She said the Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre construction project is also in line with Taung Skull where they also have six projects. Lenkopane said they have other projects like Thomeng toilets that were abandoned due to investigation surrounding it since 2014.

“However, as the department, we will proceed upon conclusion of the investigations and disputes, which are unavoidable,” she said.

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A child neglect case transferred to regional court 

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Picture: Former local artist, Masego Sebigi/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

7 December 2025- A child neglect case against a former hip hop artist, Masego “Meezy” Sebigi (28), was transferred to the Taung Regional Court until 8 December 2025. Sebigi was arrested for allegedly leaving her daughter (10) alone in her rented room in Extension 7, near Taung, on several occasions.

It is alleged that in August 2025, Sebigi’s daughter approached the state prosecutor at around 8:30pm, who is also residing in the same vicinity and requested her to call the landlord, so that she can give her mother’s contact number. The said prosecutor assisted the child.

It is alleged that in two weeks, the same scenario repeated itself again. It is alleged that Sebigi, who left her child alone at the time, highlighted that she was in Kuruman.

The prosecutor called social workers for intervention and a child neglect case was opened. It is alleged that the social workers found the rented room filthy.      

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Sivenathi Gunya said: “It is true that a woman is facing a child neglect case and the case has been transferred to the Taung Regional Court. 

According to http://www.scielo.org.za child maltreatment rates in South Africa are extremely high. The Non-Government Organisation (NGO) said this fact is attributable to excessive levels of poverty and wide-spread violence.

“The United Nations (UN) and its signatories acknowledge that children are a vulnerable group and provide some guidelines on how children and their rights should be protected by signatories to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

“Parents are urged to take all appropriate social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation including sexual abuse.”

The website said the Article 19(2) of the Convention makes it clear that measures used to protect children need to be protective and preventive and should encompass the identification, reporting, referral, investigation and treatment of child abuse. It said Article 16 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child [11] echoes the obligations set out in the UN Convention.

“The Charter obligates the African Union (AU) and its signatories to establish special monitoring units and to provide the necessary support for the abused child and his/her caretakers.

“The South African Constitution [12] explicitly addresses the rights of children and affords them specific protection. Section 28(1)(d) holds that every child has the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse and/or degradation,” said Scielo.

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Shortage of orthopaedic implants caused by influx of patients 

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Picture: Klerksdorp/Tshepong Complex Hospital

By OBAKENG MAJE 

7 December 2025- The family of Lesego Daniel Sebego (71) from Moretele village, in Taung, said it is concerned regarding his deteriorating health at Taung District Hospital. According to one of the family members who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal, his family member was admitted at Taung District Hospital on 4 November 2025, with a broken hip. 

“However, he is still flagging at the hospital bed without any assistance. We do not get a straight explanation on why he has not undergone operation yet. However, we heard some allegations that there are shortages of orthopaedic implants at Klerksdorp/Tshepong Complex Hospital due to unpaid invoices of the suppliers.  

“This has left Sebego in a predicament with prolonged pain. Sebego is already losing hope and he is now developing bed sores. We just hope that these delays will not lead to permanent disability due to the progression of his conditions, while awaiting treatment,” he said.

The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said the Taung District Hospital acknowledges receipt of the enquiry regarding a patient who is currently admitted at the facility. Lehari said the hospital is fully aware of his case and continues to monitor his condition closely.

“The patient has not yet been transferred to the Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex due to supply-related challenges. At present, the Complex does not have the required orthopaedic implant necessary for his surgical procedure. 

“It is important to clarify that this delay is not due to bed shortages or a lack of surgeons, but rather a supply chain issue affecting the availability of the specialised implant. The hospital management is doing everything possible to resolve the supply constraints and to ensure that the patient receives the required surgical intervention as soon as possible,” he said.

Lehari further said the Sebego family has been informed of the situation, and communication channels remain open to provide regular updates and reassurance. He added that they regret the distress caused to the patient and his family and reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that all patients receive timely and appropriate care.

“The challenges are caused largely by exceptionally high demand from orthopaedic intervention. The Klerksdorp/Tshepong Complex Hospital has been receiving a significant influx of patients from outside its jurisdiction including Free State, Northern Cape and Gauteng provinces, as well as foreign nationals from neighbouring countries.

“So, this is the reason why we are having this challenge. However, there are measures in place to ensure that patients receive timely and adequate treatment which includes correct referral pathways through the gatekeeping, adequate budget and proper revenue collection especially on those who can afford according to their financial classification,” said Lehari.

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Madlanga Commission of Inquiry witness killed

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Picture: A slain Mandlanga Commission of Inquiry witness, Marius van der Merwe/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE   

A ‘Witness D’ who recently gave evidence before Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has been shot and killed outside his home in Brakpan, Gauteng in an apparent hit on Friday evening. According to the police, Marius van der Merwe who was also known as Witness D at Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, was gunned down by unknown assailants who were driving NP200 bakkie with a canopy.

The National Commissioner of the Police, General Fannie Masemola said the evidence gathered at the scene, confirms that an AK47 automatic rifle was used in the commission of the crime. Masemola said at the crime scene outside the home of van der Merwe, various units of the SAPS including ballistics and crime scene experts, crime intelligence officers and members of the serious and violent crime unit worked until the early hours of this morning, combing the scene for available material evidence.

“According to a preliminary investigation, van der Merwe arrived at his home just after 8:30pm with his wife and as he was about to open the gate, he was shot and sustained wounds to his upper body. He was certified dead at the scene. His wife, who was a passenger in the car, escaped unharmed and it should be noted that nothing was taken from van der Merwe, seeing that his firearm, cell phone and wallet were still in his possession.

“A case of murder has been registered and police have launched a manhunt for the hit orderer and the hitmen who shot and killed Witness D. Police are also looking for the murder weapon. I will meet and brief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga on investigations into the murder of Witness D,” he said.

Masemola further said he will utilise the opportunity to also discuss efforts to improve and enhance safety and security measures for all role-players at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. He added that he has also ordered the NATJOINTS Co-chair, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili to urgently convene a NATJOINTS meeting over the weekend to discuss and look at ways of improving and or enhancing the safety and security of commission officials as well as all witnesses.

Meanwhile, Marius van der Merwe was said to expose more details about illegal mining operations linking to high ranking officials. He was the owner of QRF Task Team.

“He had already testified about a body Julius Mkhwanazi ordered him to dispose of.

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Hollywoodbets Durban July doubles prize money to R10m

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Picture: The Real Prince reigns supreme at 2025 Durban July event   

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

6 December 2025- Africa’s greatest horse racing and social event is now the continent’s richest horse race with the announcement that the prize money for the Hollywoodbets Durban July will double to R10 million in 2026. This comes after the revamped handicaps honour the iconic event’s 130 year-old roots and give more horses better chances to win.

Unveiling the new record stakes at the “July in Christmas” event at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on 5 December, the Group’s Brand and Communications Manager, Devin Heffer announced that next year’s 130th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July will return the race to its traditional true handicap roots. Heffer said the winner’s prize will double to R6 million and the rest of the prize money on 4 July 2026, will be shared among the next 11 finishers, rather than the nine of previous years.

“Weights are allocated in handicap races, which enable horses of varied ability to race competitively against each other. Taking into account the variables of age and sex, the fundamental is that the higher a horse’s official merit rating, the more weight that horse will carry. 

“This opens the Hollywoodbets Durban July to a wider competitive spectrum of owners and horses. By reducing the lightest weight horses carry – that is from 54kgs to 52kgs – and increasing the heaviest weight, we’re levelling the playing field and honouring the true handicap heritage of a race that was first run in 1897,” he said. 

Heffer further said this is the race that belongs to Mzansi and the true handicap will add hugely to its excitement. He added that it gives punters more chances to win and it means that even long-shot horses have a real chance of glory in a race that is the pinnacle achievement of every owner, trainer, breeder, jockey and groom in South Africa.

Heffer said Hollywoodbets took over sponsorship of the Durban July in 2022, when it raised the stakes from R2 million to R5 million. 

“Every year since, the July meeting has been bigger and better, and we decided the prize money should match the growing prestige and popularity of the feature race. The whole country comes to a standstill for the two minutes of the Hollywoodbets Durban July and doubling the stakes is part of our mission to return South African horse racing to its glory days.

“The greater betting opportunities from the more open handicap, as well as the chance for rank outsiders to win, will make next year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July a race no one will want to miss. This is the biggest day of the year for Hollywoodbets, with record audiences online and in our 90 bricks and mortar stores throughout the country,” said Heffer. 

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U15 Boys and Girls look to defend their titles 

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Picture: U15 Boys and Girls look to defend their titles at COSAFA qualifiers in Stellenbosch/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

5 December 2025- Following a heartfelt and inspiring send-off ceremony hosted by the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Department of Sport, the Department of Education, the SA U15 Boys and Girls national teams are now on their way to Stellenbosch to compete in the ASFC 2025 – COSAFA Qualifiers.

The event will be held from 5–7 December 2025 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The two squads assembled on 27 November 2025 at the University of the Western Cape where they have prepared and focused on sharpening their technical skills ahead of this regional tournament. The coaches of both teams said their players are physically ready, mentally sharp, and united in their goal to retain their titles.

As reigning champions, both teams enter the tournament with confidence, determination and a renewed drive to maintain their dominance in the region. Their performances in previous editions have set a high benchmark, one they are fully committed to upholding in Stellenbosch.

As both U15 teams embark on this journey, they carry with them the support, pride, and expectations of the nation. Their status as defending champions adds excitement and pressure, but the players and staff are ready to rise to the moment with hard work, unity, and the spirit of champions.

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Mayor unveils R25.7 road construction project 

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Picture: Ratlou Local Municipality mayor, Matlhomola Jafta during sod-turning event/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

5 December 2025- The Ratlou Local Municipality in Setlagole village has officially unveiled the construction of a 3.5km Inter-locking pavement bricks internal access road in ward 14 in Setlagole village, near Atamelang on Friday. The municipality said the project is one of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) projects approved by the council as part of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) funded projects. 

The Ratlou Local Municipality mayor, Matlhomola Jafta, who was accompanied by the Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Technical Services (Infrastructure), Thabo Motlapele, the Municipal Manager, Lloyd Leoko, Senior Manager for Technical Services, Kagelelo Phiritshwane and ward councillor, David Seitshiro, commenced his tour by paying a courtesy visit to Kgosi Phoi’s Tribal Authority offices in Motsitlane village to brief the tribal authority about the project. The mayoral entourage then proceeded to the Ra-Mokoto Section Tribal Authority offices for the introduction of the contractor and official sod-turning ceremony for the road construction before a fully packed kgotla.

“The project that will cost R25.7 million is expected to create job opportunities for at least 10 people from the community. Both skilled and unskilled temporary jobs will be created by this project. So, we urge the community and their leadership to ensure that no unwarranted stoppages and disruptions of the project should be tolerated. 

“There will also be financial spin-offs for local business and Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). The construction work will amongst others, entails construction of a roadbed, a sub-base and a stabilized base layer sealed with interlocking pavement bricks,” he said. 

Jafta further said the contract was awarded to Born Free Construction Company (PTY) LTD.

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Mokgosi: “Most people living with HIV in North West know their status”

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

5 December 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said they have successfully hosted the Commemoration of World Aids Day in Tlhabane Township, near Rustenburg recently. Mokgosi said as a province, they strongly support and are fully behind the fight against Aids pandemic.

He further said the Global Aids Strategy 2021–2026, impresses upon them to address health inequalities by ensuring that they strengthen their efforts in equitable access of HIV and TB treatment as well as integrated health services. Mokgosi added that as such over 95% of people living with HIV in the province know their status and those who are on treatment are virally suppressed. 

“Our province is leading the pack in drug-resistant TB management in the country with a success rate of between 84 and 86%. Our efforts in addressing health related backlogs in the province have been given a boost by an allocation of two hundred million rand of additional funding for employment of nurses and doctors. ⁠⁠

“This includes the procurement of 44 ambulances that are expected to be delivered before the end of the year. We also take this opportunity to reaffirm our support for Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) victims by strengthening our capacity in safeguarding the rights of women and children,” he said.

Mokgosi said they equally support the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa’s call in declaring this scourge a national crisis. He said as the province, they maintain that it is through inclusive growth centred on the empowerment of women and the creation of a fairer society that they can defeat this pandemic.

“Expediting provision of services and job creation remain the two most important apex priorities that the province identified as needing our immediate and ongoing intervention. Through deliberate developmental programmes aimed at addressing these challenges the North West Executive Council has approved the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy in May 2025.

“This strategy which is coupled with an implementation plan that provides a clear road map on the provincial efforts to ramp up the economy of the province through infrastructure development initiatives will be launched in February 2026, ahead of the State of the Province Address (SOPA),” said Mokgosi.

He said the latest quarterly labour force survey, which depicts the creation of 42 000 jobs marking a drop of 2% in unemployment figures is indicative of a province hard at work to turn the tide against the scourge of unemployment in the province. Mokgosi said through agriculture which is one of the main economic drivers as encapsulated in the growth strategy, the province has succeeded in increasing both the scale and efficiency of crop production among smallholder and emerging farmers.

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Bafana Bafana coach attends 2026 World Cup draw in USA

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Picture: Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

3 December 2025 – Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos will travel to Washington DC, in the United States of America, to attend the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw this week. Broos will join several coaches and officials from the 48 countries that have qualified for the tournament to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June – 19 July 2026.

But first, the Bafana Bafana coach, who is back home in his native Belgium, announced his final squad for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Morocco from 21 December – 18 January 2026. Mduduzi Shabalala, Iqraam Rayners and Thabo Moloisane are on standby and the team will assemble in Tshwane in the coming days to begin preparations for the continental tournament.

“It is very important that we have players who know that if something happens with injuries or whatever, we can count on them. We will ask them to stay in shape and train, and keep in good condition because should something happen, we are prepared. So that’s why I have selected these players and will keep them on standby,” he said.

Bafana Bafana is in Group B in the AFCON, and they will face Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe. The South Africans play their first match of the continental tournament against Angola on 22 December 2025.

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