Category Archives: NEWS

1426 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: Some of dagga seized by the police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 November 2025- The integrated and intelligence-driven Safer Festive Season Shanela II operations conducted between 3 and 9 November 2025, resulted in the arrest of suspects and the seizure of a variety of illegal contrabands, 33 rounds of ammunition, three vehicles, a variety of drugs, and liquor. In the same period, a total of 1426 suspects were arrested for different crimes.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said 412 out of the 1426 arrests were circulated wanted suspects, after they were positively linked to the committed crimes through forensic DNA leads. Mokgwabone said the suspects, among others, include those arrested for murder, robberies, attempted murders, rape, burglaries, assaults, illegal dealing in drugs, possession of drugs, selling of liquor without licences, driving under the influence of liquor, malicious damage to property and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

“During these operations, 38 illegal migrants were apprehended for contravention of section 49 of the Immigration Act, 2002. In Ngaka Modiri Molema District, a crime intelligence-driven operation by the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Proactive Drug Operation and Mahikeng K9 Unit led to the arrest of six suspects in the policing precincts of Mmabatho and Mahikeng on 6 and 7 November 2025.

“Two of the suspects were nabbed for aggravated robbery, while four others were arrested for possession of illegal substances. During the arrests, the police confiscated drugs such as crystal meth, kat and mandrax, all with an estimated street value of R11 400,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said in Brits, a tuck shop was raided in Phase 1, Oukasie Township and the police confiscated distinct brands of alcohol and dagga. He added that a case with charges of dealing in drugs, dealing in liquor, and contravening the Gambling Act, 2001 was registered, and the suspect was arrested.

“The police, in collaboration with the Environmental Health officials, proceeded to another place where contaminated and expired foodstuffs were confiscated. The team also seized different brands of alcohol, deep freezers and gambling machines and the owner was arrested and charged with dealing in liquor, and contravening the Gambling Act, 2001,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, applauded all role players for their relentless efforts to reduce crime levels across the province and stamped the authority of the state.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Drastic radiographer shortage hits Joburg cancer patients

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Picture: Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 November 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said cancer treatment at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital (CMJH) is crippled by a drastic shortage of radiographers that endangers the lives of hundreds of cancer patients. The DA said according to a written reply by Gauteng Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, there are only 23 radiographers in the Oncology Department, whereas 57 radiographers are ideally required.

DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Dr Jack Bloom said the Oncology Department has 38 vacancies in total, including 20 radiographer posts, 3 vacancies for radiation oncologists, as well as shortages of medical officers, medical interns, registrars, and fellows. Bloom said at senior level, the Head of Clinical Unit post is vacant, as well as the Head of Department Medical Physicist post.

“The department said the staff shortages lead to an increase in treatment waiting times and professionals treating more patients than is recommended on global guidelines potentially may result in a reduction of quality of care.

“A major reason for the radiographer shortage is that they are paid about R100 000 less a year than radiographers in other provinces due to a 12-year dispute concerning payment of the Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD),” he said.

Bloom further said instead of going all out to resolve this dispute, the department said it is unknown when this dispute will be resolved. He added that this is disgraceful as the radiographer shortage will persist until they get the full OSD allowance.

“Further incompetence is revealed by the failure to speedily procure two compact Linear accelerators to replace machines decommissioned in 2018. A Radiation planning CT scan is also broken and needs replacing.

“The CMJH CEO, Gladys Bogoshi should be held to account for staffing and equipment shortages that worsen the cancer treatment crisis for 3000 cancer patients on the waiting list for radiation therapy. The Gauteng High Court has rebuked the department’s failure to treat cancer patients as unlawful and unconstitutional, and it is likely that more cancer patients have died because of delayed treatment than the 144 mental patients that died in the Life Esidimeni tragedy,” said Bloom.

He said they are fighting in court for the Gauteng Legislature to debate their motion to censure the MEC over the cancer treatment crisis. Bloom said this has been blocked by the ANC as they fear they will lose the vote.

“We will continue to push for quality cancer treatment by speedily filling staff vacancies, ensuring proper equipment, and the use of private facilities to cut the backlogs for cancer patients in public hospitals,” said Bloom.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man nabbed for stealing motorbike in Brits

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Picture: A motor bike stolen in Brits SAPS/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 November 2025- A man (33) was arrested for being in possession of a suspected stolen motor bike at approximately 8am by the police in Kathu with assistance of Rhino Security Company. The security guards from Rhino Security Company responded after seeing a suspicious motor bike around Kathu town. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mosimaneotsile Letsapa said the members of Shift D responded quickly and the suspect was arrested after failing to give the police a proof of ownership of the bike. Letsapa said it is alleged that the motor bike was reported stolen at Brits SAPS in North West.

“However, the investigation continues,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, commended Kathu members for their swift response and also applauded Rhino Security Company for their collaboration with the police in fighting crime.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A murder and attempted murder case against The Meat Brother’s Pub owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape postponed

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Picture: The Meat Brother’s Pub owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 November 2025- A murder and attempted murder case against The Meat Brother’s Pub owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41), was postponed to 19 and 23 January 2026 by the Taung Regional Court. The trial was supposed to commence on Monday, however, it is alleged that the defence lawyer is off sick.

Mangwegape who is out on a R5000 bail, is accused of shooting and killing the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injuring his friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33).

On 17 December 2023, Mdi and Kokwe were amongst patrons who visited The Meat Brother’s Pub that was full to capacity. It is alleged that Mdi and Kokwe went outside and the security guards refused them entry on their return because the area was packed to capacity. Mdi and Kokowe allegedly tried to gain entry forcefully, but Mangwegape allegedly pulled out a gun and shot at them.

Mdi was fatally shot, while his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds. The injuries led to Kokwe’s leg being amputated.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Nigerian man accused of dealing in drugs denied bail

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Picture: A man arrested for dealing in drugs/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 November 2025- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI/Hawks) welcome the decision of the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court to deny bail to Michael Okoya (51), a Nigerian national charged with dealing in drugs. Okoya was arrested in September 2025 by members of the North West Provincial Anti-Drug Team and the Tactical Response Team (TRT).

The NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said his arrest followed a search and seizure operation conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Crime Intelligence, and TRT at his flat in Klerksdorp on 2 September 2025. Gunya said during the operation, law enforcement officials confiscated a large quantity of drugs, including crystal meth, kat, and mandrax tablets, with an estimated street value exceeding R1.5 million.

“Okoya was not present during the raid, prompting a manhunt. He was later apprehended after authorities followed up on credible intelligence. During the bail proceedings, the State, represented by Advocate Riekie Krause, opposed bail, submitting that Okoya posed a flight risk.

“The state presented three affidavits: one from a senior SAPS official who received information about a planned escape, another from the investigating officer, and one from the officer who confiscated a cellphone from the accused,” he said.

Gunya further said the court was informed that the accused had expressed intentions to abscond if released on bail. He added that after considering the evidence, the court denied bail, and the matter was postponed to 9 December 2025, for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, and the Acting Head of the Hawks in the North West, Brigadier Georgia Moos, commended the joint efforts of the NPA’s Organised Crime Component and the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team for their tireless work in bringing the accused to justice.

“The NPA, working closely with the DPCI and other law enforcement agencies, remains steadfast in its commitment to dismantle drug networks and ensure that those who destroy our communities with drugs are held accountable,” said Makhari.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Ad Hoc Committee formed to investigate allegations levelled against North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi to commence with its work

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 November 2025- The Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Dr Desbo Mohono has in terms of Rule 187 of the Standing Rules of the NPWL, appointed an Ad Hoc Committee in consultation with represented political parties in the Legislature. Mohono said the appointment was pursuant to the allegations that were made by the embattled Naledi Local Municipality mayor, Clifton Groep against the North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi.

She further said Nathan Oliphant was elected as the Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, Tebogo Modise, as a member of the Ad Hoc Committee, Paul Sebegoe, as a member of the Ad Hoc Committee, Kgalalelo Makgokgowa, as a member of the Ad Hoc Committee, Ofentse Moema, as a member of the Ad Hoc Committee and Christiaan Jacobus Steyl, as a member of the Ad Hoc Committee. Mohono added that Lerato Tsholo was also appointed as a member of the Ad Hoc Committee.

“Other members who have been appointed as alternate members of the Ad Hoc Committee are Karabo Magagane, Sipho Dial, Papiki Babuile and Freddy Sonakile. The Ad Hoc Committee’s Terms of Reference are to investigate, inquire into, make findings, report and make recommendations to me.

“Adv Pule Seleka SC has been appointed by the North West Provincial Legislature to serve as evidence leader to the Ad Hoc Committee, with M.E. Tlou Attorneys Inc, providing support to the evidence leader,” she said.

Mohono said work has commenced, starting with identifying potential witnesses to adduce evidence. She said the public hearings will be held from 24 until 27 November 2025, and will be streamed live on the North West Provincial Legislature’s Facebook page (@NWPLegislature). She said the venue for the public hearings will be announced soon.

“However, the times for the hearings will be from 9am until 1pm and 2pm to 6pm on the above-mentioned dates,” said Mohono.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Broos: “Friendly matches do not exist for us”

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Picture: Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos

By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 November 2025- Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos said the team will be approaching Saturday’s international friendly match against Zambia with the same focus and mentality they usually have for FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup-bound South African senior men’s national team will host regional neighbours Zambia at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the Eastern Cape on 15 November 2025 as part of Broos’ preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco at the end of the year. Kick-off in Gqeberha will be at 3pm.

“We are preparing for the friendly game against Zambia on Saturday. But for me, friendly games do not exist. Every game we have to be focused and concentrate fully, and we have to try and win that game. It will not be any different for this game. I want to win on Saturday.

“With AFCON now just weeks away, this match will give us an opportunity to have a closer look at other players as we continue to fine-tune his squad. So it wouldn’t be a good thing if we lost the game on Saturday,” he said.

Broos further said they will ask every player to focus and concentrate the same way they do during the qualifiers. He added that even if it’s not a qualifier, they will not accept players taking this game as a little holiday.

“I want to win on Saturday. On the other hand, it’s also the last opportunity to call some players I want to see a little bit closer,” said Broos.

Meanwhile, the Bafana Bafana will remain in Johannesburg until Friday morning and then travel to Gqeberha.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Kgetsi ya go teketa le go shupa ka sethunya e boela kgotlhatshekelo

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Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa Korononea Jeremia Modise

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

11 Ngwanatsele 2025- Kgetsi ya go teketa le go shupa ka sethunya kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa, Korononea Jeremia Modise (34), e solofetswe go boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Modise, yo eleng monna wa kwa motseng wa Dikhuting, gaufi le Taung, one a tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka go teketa le go shupa ka sethunya.

Go ya ka dipego, monna wa kwa Picong, Batsile Eric Sebico (43) one a tlhaselwa le go teketwa ke Modise ka kgwedi ya Seetebosigo mono ngwaga. Go begwa fa Sebico a ile a kgorogelwa ke banna ba ba neng ba tsamaya ka sejanaga sa Toyota GD6 ga mmogo le Volkswagen Polo e khibidu kwa legaeng la gagwe.

Ka nako eo, sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are go begwa fa banna bangwe ba ile ba tsena kwa legae la mongongoregi le go mo teketa. Mokgwabone are go begwa fa banna ba, ba ile ba thuntsa dikolo di le pedi mo setswalong sa mongongoregi pele ga ba ka tsamaya.

“Sepodisi se butse dikgetsi di le tharo kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa, eleng kgetsi ya go teketa, tshenyo ya dithoto ga mmogo le go shupa ka sethunya,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Ene ya re fa lekwalo-dikgang la rona la The Guardian le botsa Mokgwabone ka magatwe a gore babelaelwa ba, ba latofadiwa ka go ja ga mmogo le batlhankela bangwe ba sepodisi, ebile go kaiwa fa ba tshabiwa, one a araba ka gore bone jaaka sepodisi ga ba itse sepe ka magatwe ao.

“Jaaka sepodisi, ga re na bopaki jwa gore banna ba, ba tshabiwa ke sepodisi, ebile ba amega mo dikgetsing tse dingwe. Jaanong, re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a nang le bopaki mabapi le seo go tsenya ngongora gore sepodisi se batlisise ntlha eo,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Kgetsi ya go teketa ga mmogo le go shupa ka sethunya kgatlhanong le Modise, e ile ya busediwa morago ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung go fitlha gompieno fa go sentse go letilwe dipoelo (ballistic test) tsa sethunya.

Lekgotlha le tlhalositse fa dipatlisiso di tsweletse.

Kgabagare, sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima go begwa fa se batlisisa kgetsi ya go thubiwa ga dikantoro tsa babatlisisi (Detectives) ba dikgetsi tse di farologaneng mono Taung. Se, se tla morago ga magatwe a gore dikantoro tsa babatlisi ba sepodisi mono Taung di robiwe, mme ga utswiwa dokete ya ga Modise.

Go begwa fa e se ga ntlha dokete e, e utswiwa. Go begwa fa go tlile ga utswiwa foromo ya J88 ya mongongoregi mo go yone.

Go begwa fa gape Modise a buletswe kgetsi ya go teketa Christopher More (70). More one a tlhaselwa gabedi ka dinako tse difarologaneng kwa motseng wa gagabo wa Picong le go fisetswa ntlo ga mmogo le sejanaga.

Gape, go begwa fa a ne a tlhaselwa le go shupiwa ka sethunya kwa legaeng la gagwe kwa Monoto-mosetlha kwa motseng wa Tlapeng.

Mokgwabone ga tshwaela mabapi le magatwe a gore dokete ya ga Modise e utswitswe kwa dikantorong tsa sepodisi mono Taung.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Residents urged to stay vigilant and prioritise safety as the province experiences a wet and stormy Tuesday

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Picture: Severe weather in North West expected/Generic

By AGISANANG SCUFF

11 November 2025- Residents in different parts of the North West are urged to exercise extreme caution as the province experiences heavy rainfall. The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said the province is under a Yellow Level 4 warning for thunderstorms.

Molapisi further said the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has flagged the possibility of heavy downpours, damaging winds, lightning and hail, which may lead to localized flooding and disruptions. He added that some areas in the province may experience isolated, but impactful storms, with potential damage to infrastructure.

“Motorists and residents are advised not to cross flooded roads, rivers and low-lying bridges. Residents living in low lying areas are urged to be extra vigilant for the possibility of flooding. The province is expected to receive above normal rainfall throughout the summer season.

“The Disaster Management teams are on high alert to respond to any eventuality,” said Molapisi.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Steyn thrilled to have Cammy back

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Picture: Rugby players during match/Supplied

10 November 2025- The Toyota Cheetahs coach, Frans Steyn, is thrilled to have the rock solid loosehead prop, Cameron Dawson, back in the mix as they have turned their attention to the EPCR Challenge Cup, which kicks off in December.

The 26-year-old Dawson rejoined the Cheetahs, after spending some time in Durban, where he represented the Sharks during the early rounds of the United Rugby Championship.

Dawson has undoubtedly been one of the Cheetahs’ most improved and consistent performers throughout the year, and his value to the team has only grown following the departure of Hencus van Wyk to the Stormers.

While Tielman Niewoudt started at loosehead prop against Black Lion and featured off the bench in a few Currie Cup games, he remains a raw talent and for now, Dawson is still the go-to man in that position.

Dawson’s stint with the Sharks proved to be incredibly valuable, both for his personal growth and for the Cheetahs, as he is now firmly on the radar of the bigger franchises.

Steyn told OFM Sport having Dawson back is a major boost, especially with the European campaign on the horizon, and added if the prop were to move permanently to a team like the Sharks, it would be well deserved.

“Oh definitely. I mean, the young guys can only learn from him because Cammy came through the system. 

“He left for a short stint with the Pumas and then came back, and right now we can’t go without him. It’s great to have him back, and he did well at the Sharks.

“My only worry is they might come back and ask to take him again, but whatever comes next for Cammy, he deserves it. He works hard, he’s a great team man, and it’s just good to have him back.”

Steyn said he’s generally pleased with what he’s seen during the first two days of their pre-season, following a short break after their games against Black Lion in the Toyota Challenge.

Yeah, it’s just nice to have so many guys back on the field again,” said Steyn, noting that several injured players have returned.

“I think there’s only one or two still out. Having everyone back and working together – that’s where the hard work starts. There’s a great vibe, and that last win against Georgia meant a lot. The way the guys went about it gives us confidence heading into the first game.”

The Cheetahs will face the Lions at Ellis Park in a warm-up match towards the end of November before jetting off to Europe to take on the Exeter Chiefs and Stade Français in the opening rounds of the EPCR Challenge Cup.

Morgan Piek OFM