25 November 2025- Former attorney, Pretus Thobejane (54) of Thobejane PM Attorneys was granted a R50 000 bail by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. Thobejane is facing 31 counts of theft amounting to R8.3 million.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that between November 2024 and October 2025, the accused used the same modus operandi to defraud multiple complainants. Mahanjana said Thobejane allegedly offered conveyancing services to assist them in purchasing properties.
“After reaching agreements, the complainants transferred funds to him for the services. However, after receiving the money, Thobejane allegedly failed to render any service, became unreachable and did not refund the funds. The complainants subsequently reported the matter to the Legal Practice Council (LPC), which opened cases at various police stations.
“Following police investigations, Thobejane was arrested on 13 November 2025 at his residence in Centurion. During the bail proceedings, state prosecutor Chris Maruma did not oppose Thobejane’s release on bail, noting that he is not considered a flight risk, has a fixed address and has no previous or pending cases against him,” she said.
Meanwhile, the matter was postponed to 27 February 2026, for further investigation.
Picture: Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass handing over houses/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
25 November 2025- As part of the Northern Cape 1 Billion Rand Housing Project for the Northern Cape, the Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, handed over a total of 10 houses to some of the beneficiaries of the Dalton 100 Housing Project in Douglas. Vass was accompanied by the mayor of Siyancuma Municipality, Patrick McKlein and the municipal speaker, Johannes George.
“Today, we are here in Dalton, Douglas, to hand over ten houses to beneficiaries from this project in Siyancuma Municipality. We are happy with the quality of the houses and that we can deliver on the commitment of the government to house the nation.
“We continue to call on all our contractors across the province, to speed up the pace of building these houses, so that more beneficiaries can receive keys to their houses for security and comfort,” he said.
Vass further said the construction work is continuing on the Dalton 100 Housing Projects and many others across the province, as part of the 1 Billion Rand Housing Project.
One of the beneficiaries, Sanna Letele (81) received the keys to her house. Letele said she is happy because her family including her children and three grandchildren have a proper roof over their heads.
“We will be moving out of this shack. I cannot thank the government enough for restoring my dignity,” she said.
Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi with beneficiaries/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
25 November 2025- After suffering a stroke earlier this year, forcing her into permanent disability, Boitumelo Pelaelo (68) from Dipudi Section in Ganyesa, thought her dream of owning a proper house would perish right in front of her eyes. However, this was not the case as her dream was realised when Pelaelo received keys to her newly-built house from the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi.
She is currently staying in an old house with her family of 13. The family depends on her old age grant and child support grants received by the younger children.
According to Pelaelo, the old house they were living in was small for the whole family and said they will now be able to live comfortably and not cramped.
“I would like to thank the government for what they have done for me and my family. This house will indeed change our lives for the better,” she said.
Pelaelo’s house has been amended with ramps as she is using a wheelchair.
The handover of houses is part of the Department of Human Settlement’s continued effort of unblocking blocked projects across the province. So far 80% of the project has been completed and houses handed over to beneficiaries.
Out of a total of 73 houses, 60 have already been completed.
Molapisi said this progress is a positive stride in the department’s commitment to accelerating housing delivery. He said the department will leave no stone unturned and will ensure that houses are built for legible beneficiaries.
“As the provincial government, we will continue to deliver on our mandate and change the lives of the people. We do this to ensure we deliver as promised. We further handed over houses to three elderly people at Tlapeng Section,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Ishmael Motlaleemang (70) had been living in a one-roomed house with his partner and two dependants for years. According to Motlaleemang, the new house will afford his family enough space to live in. The other two beneficiaries; Samuel Morakeng (70) and Kathrina Koba Seakwa (67), also thanked the department for finally recognising them as they have been waiting for their houses for years.
They said they will now be able to live comfortably without worrying during rainy seasons and strong cold winds.
25 November 2025- A man (44) was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment for rape. On 25 August 2024, a boy (14) was alone at his home in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley when the accused approached him, attempted to initiate a sexual relationship and also sexually assaulted the victim.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the accused then threatened the victim with violence should he report the matter. Ehlers said the incident was immediately reported to the police, who launched a criminal investigation.
“On 27 August 2024, the accused was subsequently arrested. Bail was successfully opposed and he remained in custody until his sentencing. The Galeshewe Regional Court sentenced him to 22 years imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
“Additionally, his name will be recorded in the National Register for Sexual Offenders,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, praised the investigating officer, Detective Constable Setshego Matlhale from the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit and Advocate Tevaunhnay van Wyk from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for the outstanding collaboration and dedication that secured a fitting sentence and ensured justice for the young victim. Otola said sexual offences committed against minors remain a priority for investigators in the Northern Cape, who continue to ensure that perpetrators face the full might of the law.
25 November 2025- An alleged Eersterust serial rapist, Helder Isidro (36), from Eersterust, abandoned his bail application at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. Isidro faces a charge of rape for allegedly raping a woman (27).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that the accused and the complainant initially connected on a Facebook Hook-Up page and later continued their communication via WhatsApp. Mahanjana said during these exchanges, they arranged to meet in Mamelodi in January 2024.
“On the day of the meeting, the accused allegedly ordered an e-hailing ride for the complainant, which collected her from her residence and dropped her off at a petrol station opposite Denlyn Mall. Upon her arrival, the complainant met the accused, who asked her to walk to his residence.
“While walking through a veld, Isidro allegedly grabbed the complainant, undressed her, and raped her while threatening her with a knife. After the assault, he allegedly took her cell-phone and money, handed her R20, and told her to take a taxi home,” she said.
Mahanjana further said the complainant reported the matter to the police on 12 August 2025, after recognising the accused from images circulating on social media. She added that following investigations, the accused was arrested on 13 November 2025, while he was already in custody on an unrelated matter.
“In court, the case was postponed to 14 January 2026 for the joining of charges,” said Mahanjana.
25 November 2025- The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing in the Northern Cape, Major General Johny Besnaar, accompanied by the Acting District Commissioner of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Brigadier Kenneth Baloi, led a Men’s Indaba at the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality Chambers on 25 November 2025. Besnaar said the Indaba aimed to spark meaningful dialogue, break the silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and provide an inclusive platform for engagement and solutions.
He further said the session was attended by various stakeholders, including the Community Police Board, Men for Change, Departments of Justice, Correctional Services and Health, the National Prosecuting Authority, FAMSA, Kumba Iron Ore, SAPS Employee Health and Wellness and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. Besnaar added that all partners pledged their commitment and reaffirmed that combating GBVF requires a united and collaborative effort.
“It is important to have a multi-faceted approach in tackling GBVF. The programmes of this nature require the active participation of all stakeholders to confront the social ills that continue to endanger women and children. The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape remains steadfast in its commitment to combat GBVF through sustained initiatives and by calling on the public to work alongside law enforcement in creating safer communities,” he said.
Outlining the purpose of the gathering, Deputy Chairperson of Men for Change, Captain Bennett Phoko, emphasised the pivotal role men play in addressing GBVF. Phoko highlighted that men’s active involvement is essential in creating safe, respectful communities and fostering behavioural change.
“Throughout the Indaba, attendees engaged in robust dialogue to devise meaningful ways to contribute to the fight against GBVF including rejecting silence, advocating for stronger anti-GBVF policies, and challenging harmful societal norms,” he said.
Meanwhile, Advocate Mule Molokwane from the Office of the Family Advocate, presented an overview of key legislation, including the Children’s Act of 2005, underscoring the legal framework that protects children and vulnerable groups.
Picture: The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane
By AGISANANG SCUFF
25 November 2025- The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane has confirmed the implementation of the North West Liquor Licensing Act, 2016 (Act No. 6 of 2016) for the 2025/26 financial year, following all legislative processes undertaken during the bill stage. Lenkopane said in line with the Act, her department, through the Liquor Regulations Unit, commenced the liquor licence renewal process on 14 November 2025, which will run until 26 February 2026.
She further said the new renewal fees payable for the 2025/26 financial year are now in full effect. Lenkopane added that the published schedule of fees applies to all liquor license holders and payments must be made strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
“The department has noted with great concern the recent statements circulating from a group of individuals claiming to represent license holders and encouraging them not to renew their licenses due to the increase in fees as per the new Provincial Act.
“At this stage, the department emphasizes that such statements do not reflect the position of the broader liquor industry and urges the traders to adhere to their license conditions by renewing for the 2025/26 financial year,” she said.
Lenkopane further said they have already assisted a significant number of license holders in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, who have complied with the legislation, while others are awaiting the unfolding of the renewal process. She added that there will be no consideration of any reduction in the fees.
“The current fees are a product of extensive and transparent consultations conducted during the legislative process and are therefore binding in law. Since the campaign’s inception on 14 November 2025, the department has managed to collect R496 000 from liquor traders operating within the municipalities under the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.
“This week, the campaign will be heading to the Potchefstroom College of Agriculture. All liquor traders in the area are urged to respond to the call to renew their licenses. The department further warns liquor traders of a concerning scam, in which fraudsters impersonate liquor officials and contact traders to solicit payments for license renewals through cash-send and e-wallet transactions,” said Lenkopane.
She said these actions are illegal and aimed at exploiting unsuspecting business owners. Lenkopane said liquor traders and members of the public are urged to exercise caution, remain vigilant and verify any communication related to license renewals directly with the department before making any payments.
25 November 2025- The Young Intelligent Minds of South Africa (YIMOSA) said the recent success by South Africa in holding a successful G20 World Leaders Summit and the resilience of other world leaders who showed up in South Africa to honour the invite is a great sign that the world is ready to move on without the so-called world super nations. YIMOSA said the boldness of the South African government in a manner in which it handled the situation must be commended with the highest of distinction.
YIMOSA spokesperson, Jeffrey Mabunda said from the setting up of the entire event, the delegation and the confidence shown by each delegate on South Africa hosting a first of its kind G20 of the African continent it’s an indication that Africa is ready. Mabunda said the stance the government took in handling the US boycotting of the G20 Summit in South Africa and the refusal by the SA government to admit representatives from the US embassy to the event, was a true sign that President Cyril Ramaphosa has had enough of the Trump bullying tactics against South Africa.
“When the South African delegation led by Ramaphosa went to the White House to try and sever the relationship between the two countries, we all thought Trump was going to have a change of heart on South Africa.
“Despite the kneeling down by our delegates in the US and a special plea by Ramaphosa that Trump attend the G20 in November, Trump did the opposite. We have all known that Trump had no intentions to attend the G20 in South Africa as he has previously mentioned that his Deputy President JD Vance was going to attend,” he said.
Mabunda further said a few weeks later he announced on his Truth Social that no US Government official is going to the G20 in South Africa. He added that from the arrangement of arrivals of the guests and world leaders in various airports and at the expo centre in Nasrec, from the opening and welcoming speech by Ramaphosa and from him deliberately announcing live that there is an overwhelming majority on the adoption of the G20 Summit Declaration.
“One could see that our President has gone away from the US begging Trump. This will teach many countries to be bold and take a stand in whatever they resolve to do without fear or favour of being victimized. Ramaphosa’s bold move was an indication that small economy countries are shifting away from being reliant on major economic countries.
“As much as Trump is still going to retaliate against South Africa, he has seen that the world is slowly trying to move without the US commanding everything. Trump came back to the White House with revengeful intentions, which included dealing with South Africa,” said Mabunda.
He said his lack of knowledge, insight and lack of knowledge on the South African legal system and population dynamics is a result of the blow by blow South Africa continues to receive from the US President. Mabunda said his allegations that South Africa is committing genocide on white farmers are unfounded and remains unfounded.
“It’s big up to the South African Government for having flown the South African flag higher than anyone has anticipated. This is a clear indication that Africa is ready and the world is ready to move on without other countries.
“To those leaders who send their junior staff or leaders to our Summit we and they are still to talk so that in future they leave whatever they are doing to come and participate in world changing discussions rather than hiding behind their junior staffers with the fear of Trump,” he said.
25 November 2025 – The police in the North West have during the weekly integrated and multidisciplinary Shanela 2/Safer Festive Season Operations, asserted the authority of the state through the apprehension of 1250 suspects for different crimes ranging from burglaries at residential and non-residential premises, aggravated robberies, murders, rapes, dealing in and possession of drugs to driving under the influence of liquor. The police said the operations, led by commissioned officers, were conducted between 17 and 23 November 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said out of the 1250 arrested suspects, 423 were arrested by Detectives as those on the circulated wanted suspects’ lists. In addressing identified crime generators through compliance inspections to enforce the provisions of the Liquor and Second-Hand Goods Acts, 35 unlicensed liquor outlets (shebeens) were closed and large quantities of liquor confiscated.
Mokgwabone said furthermore, the operations led to the confiscation of seven vehicles, five firearms, 95 rounds of ammunition, two wheelbarrows and housebreaking implements, among others.
“In Rustenburg and Phokeng in the Bojanala Sub-District 2, the Provincial Proactive Drugs Operation, Anti-Gang Unit, Rustenburg Crime Intelligence and Tactical Response Team (TRT), as well as Bafokeng Protective Services, arrested 10 suspects for possession of suspected illegal substances during operations conducted between 18 and 21 November 2025.
“The suspects included two South Africans, three Tanzanians and five Nigerians. The team confiscated cash amounting to R25 500,00 believed to be the proceeds of a crime as well as drugs such as crystal meth, khat, mandrax, heroin and nyaope with estimated street value of R670 000,” he said.
Mokgwabone added that in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, three multidisciplinary Inter-Provincial roadblocks between North West and Northern Cape were conducted on the N18, N12 and N14 roads on 18 November 2025. He said following the operations, 1221 vehicles were stopped and 15 road traffic fines were issued to motorists.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, welcomed the successes and indicated that the police, in collaboration with other JOINTS role players will continue with the high-density operations to stabilise hotspots and ensure public safety.
Picture: MKP Member of Parliament, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla
By REGINALD KANYANE
25 November 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling for urgent action from Parliament and law-enforcement after new and very disturbing information came to light about how 17 young South African men were lured into travelling to Russia and then forced into the Ukraine war. The DA said these men were promised bodyguard or security training.
DA spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans, Chris Hattingh who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) said but when they arrived, they were made to sign documents written in Russian, had their passports, phones and bank cards taken away. Hattingh said they were then moved to the Donetsk region, close to active fighting.
“Some were forced to carry weapons and ammunition, dig trenches and operate equipment under Russian control. They have been asking their families and government for help because they want to come home.
“This is a chilling case of the powerful preying on the vulnerable. The promise of a job was a death trap, and an MP stands accused of holding the door open. The DA will be filing a criminal case with the SAPS to investigate the roles of Zuma-Sambudla and others mentioned in media reports for misleading these young men and sending them into an active war zone,” he said.
He further said the matter has already been handed over to the Hawks. Hattingh added that they fully support the Hawks investigation and if the evidence shows that laws were broken – including trafficking, fraud or illegal foreign military activity – then the law must take its course and prosecution must follow.
“Provided that Zuma-Sambudla is a sitting Member of Parliament, I am also writing to the Acting Registrar of Parliament’s Ethics Committee to request an immediate ethics investigation. Allegations of this nature, involving an MP, cannot be ignored.
“If a public representative abused her position to recruit or mislead young South Africans into a foreign conflict, it would be a serious breach of her Oath of office and Parliament’s ethical rules. Parliament must treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.
Hattingh said him and his DA counterpart on the Portfolio Committee for International Relations, Ryan Smith (MP), will both write to their respective Portfolio Committee Chairpersons to urge that their committees are urgently briefed on this concerning matter by the State Security Agency, Defence Intelligence, DIRCO, the Hawks and the Department of Defence. He said they need clarity on how this recruitment network operated inside South Africa, whether warning signs were missed and what the government is doing to bring the men home safely.
“South Africa cannot allow our young people to be tricked into fighting in foreign wars. We cannot allow political connections to be used to mislead vulnerable citizens. And we cannot allow Parliament to look the other way when one of its members faces allegations of this seriousness.
“The DA will continue pushing for full accountability, proper oversight and urgent action to protect our citizens and uphold the rule of law,” said Hattingh.
The Guardian 