31 October 2025- The Galeshewe Family Violence, Children and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit request the assistance of the public in tracing John Kock alias “Poempoe”, a person of interest in solving an attempted murder case that occurred at Willy Jansen Street, Phuthanang on 26 October 2025. The police said the person of interest who is believed to be residing at Promise Land, Phuthanang, can assist with the investigation of the assault of a female victim (16) at her home in Phuthanang.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kock, is urged to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Warrant Officer Duppie Dupplessis on 082 359 9230 or 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.
“All information will be treated confidentially,” he said.
31 October 2025- A man (27) was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for the murder of his fellow countryman. On 7 September 2024, the victim, Tsietsi Motlaopa (32), a Lesotho national, was at the accused Tumisang Maleke’s residence in Cassel village when an argument broke out between the two men.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the altercation escalated into a physical confrontation during which the accused stabbed the victim in the upper body with a sharp object. Pilane said the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel later declared Motlaopa dead on the scene.
“The matter was reported to the Bothithong Police Station and the suspect was swiftly arrested. He was charged with murder and Detective Constable Lucky Mabuthwane was assigned to investigate the case. His diligent work and successful opposition to bail ensured that the accused remained in custody until sentencing.
“The court ultimately found Maleke guilty and sentenced him to 12 years for murder with an additional 2 years for contravention of Immigration Laws and also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloi, commended Mabuthwane for his commitment and thorough investigative efforts that led to the successful conviction.
31 October 2025- The South African Police Service in the Northern Cape said it continues to appeal to members of the public to report incidents of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and to support victims in coming forward. The police said these crimes often occur behind closed doors and public cooperation remains critical in preventing domestic violence-related murders.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said on 1 December 2024, the police in Colesberg responded to a murder scene in Masiphakame, Kuyasa, where the lifeless body of a woman was discovered inside a house. Shemane said the preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had sustained burn wounds.
“Information received by the police led to the swift tracing and arrest of the suspect, identified as the deceased’s boyfriend, who had fled the scene after committing the crime. The accused was arrested on the same day and made several court appearances until the case was finalised.
“On 28 October 2025, the Colesberg Regional Court found Thembalethu Bok (28) guilty of the murder of Sinesipho Makhaza (18). Bok was convicted and sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for murder,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the collaborative efforts between Detective Warrant Officer Thabiseng Vokonqo of Kuyasa and state prosecutor, Philisiwe Khosa, for their dedication and commitment in ensuring justice for the victim and her family.
31 October 2025- Three accused, Letlhogonolo Selaledi (34), Thabang Kgalapa (33) and Kenneth Chauke (34), were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Taung Regional Court for damaging essential infrastructure. Selaledi, Kgapala and Chauke were convicted of tampering with essential infrastructure and each received 15 years of direct imprisonment.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 12 May 2024 in Pudimoe Township, near Taung, where police received information that three men were digging up copper cables near the Pudimoe Police Station. Gunya said acting swiftly, the police proceeded to the scene and found the accused removing copper cables and loading them onto a truck.
“The stolen cables were valued at R151 778.28. When questioned, the men claimed they had been contracted by Openserve. However, upon verification, the company’s Area Manager confirmed that no such contract existed between Openserve and the accused. The men were immediately arrested on the scene. During the trial, all three pleaded not guilty to the charge of tampering with essential infrastructure.
“The state prosecutor, Rebaona Mokgopa, led evidence from the Openserve Area Manager, who refuted any employment or contractual relationship with the accused.
In aggravation of sentence, Mokgopa emphasised the seriousness of the offence and its broader impact on society, highlighting that the destruction and tampering of infrastructure disrupt essential services such as electricity supply, contributing to challenges like load-shedding,” he said.
Gunya further said in delivering judgment, Magistrate Buti Zulu concurred with the state, describing the accused’s actions as selfish and detrimental to the residents of Pudimoe. He added that Zulu subsequently imposed a sentence of 15 years imprisonment on each of the three men.
Welcoming the outcome, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Mokgopa, the investigating officer and all stakeholders for their dedication in securing the conviction.
“The NPA remains committed to combating crime and upholding the rule of law. We hope this sentence will serve as a strong deterrent and help safeguard essential infrastructure that is vital to community livelihoods,” said Dr Makhari.
Picture: The embattled Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality offices
By OBAKENG MAJE
30 October 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) Special Task Force members have confiscated some documents from the embattled Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in Mahikeng on Thursday morning. The STF members stormed into the municipal offices and closed the gates before conducting a search.
Even though the details surrounding the search are still sketchy, the SAPS national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the search was part of ongoing investigation regarding corruption, fraud and maladministration at the municipality.
“The operation was led by the national SAPS cold case investigators and the Special Task Force (STF) members related to search and seizure. The operation is about allegations of an ongoing investigation on corruption, fraud and maladministration in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality. This is a first of many operations to come in addressing these allegations.
“The investigations are at the advanced and sensitive stage,” she said.
There are irregular expenditure allegations regarding R10 billion allocation for water and sanitation.
Meanwhile, the executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe said in a statement that they can confirm that the South African Police Services (SAPS) conducted a search and seizure operation informed by allegations levelled against officials. Molefe said the municipality sincerely apologised for the inconvenience caused to critical municipal services, but they had to allow due processes to unfold.
“Therefore, all municipal officials are required to resume duty on 31 October 2025, at 7:45am and allow the law enforcement processes to speak,” he said.
30 October 2025- The owner (54) of a business establishment in the Central Business District (CBD) was found dead on Thursday morning by his employees who then alerted the police. The Kimberley Serious and Violence Crimes Unit said they are investigating an inquest and the police investigations continue.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said anyone with information that can assist the police with their investigation can contact Kimberley Serious and Violence Crimes Unit on 082 302 0407 or SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App.
“All information received will be treated confidentially,” he said.
Picture: Minister of Social Development, Sisi Tolashe
By OBAKENG MAJE
30 October 2025- The Minister of Social Development, Sisi Tolashe will close the Social Development Month curtain by taking the basket of social assistance services to the residents in Vryburg on 31 October 2025. This is part of concerted efforts by Tolashe of bringing the social development portfolio services right at the door of vulnerable communities to ensure that they receive services timeously and issues affecting them are resolved.
She further said she will be accompanied by the North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie, representatives from the local government, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) CEO, Themba Matlou, National Development Agency (NDA), acting CEO, Raphaahle Ramokgopa, amongst others. Tolashe added that her visit in the area also aims to bring a basket of comprehensive social development portfolio approach services servicing the community of Huhudi and surroundings.
“These include an interface with communities on social assistance, substance abuse and Gender Based Violence (GBV) related social ills, discussion on community activities, social grant applications, Covid-19 SRD, Social Grant Reviews and many more government services.
“This Ministerial Outreach Programme under the banner, Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme seeks to assess whether the services provided are in line with the government’s District Development Model (DDM), which encourages that all government interventions should be people driven and people centred,” she said.
Tolashe said her programme is also intended to build effective development and service delivery partnerships between the state and communities.
She said on the day, the community members will also access services from other government departments such as Home Affairs and Health.
“They will also have an opportunity to interact with me on various issues affecting them,” said Tolashe.
30 October 2025 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo said he welcomes the preservation order granted by the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng on 29 October. Naidoo said the order issued in terms of Section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), 1998 (Act No. 121 of 1998), preserves vehicles that were used as instruments of an offence listed in Schedule 1 of POCA.
He further said the preservation order follows incidents that occurred in Mmabatho on 11 September 2023. Naidoo added that after the establishment of a multidisciplinary team consisting of Provincial Organised Crime, Mmabatho Serious, Organised Crime and Provincial Crime Intelligence, the members conducted operations on identified targets around Mmabatho, Lomanyaneng and Mahikeng relating to drugs.
“The action led to the arrest of two Nigerian nationals during an undercover operation. From these operations, cash and two vehicles, a Volkswagen Polo and Volkswagen Vivo, which were allegedly used for trafficking of drugs, were seized.
“We welcome the preservation order and commend the Asset Forfeiture Unit, including the investigation team for their diligence in ensuring that criminals are deprived of the tools they use to commit crime. We further applaud the police and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), noting that such collaborative efforts are critical in dismantling drug trafficking networks and protecting communities from the scourge of illegal drugs,” he said.
30 October 2025- Some patients at Ganyesa Hospital alleged that they were spending more time at the healthcare centre than waiting period due to shortage of nurses. According to one patient who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said normally they would go to the hospital at 7am, but only leave around 5pm late.
“You will only see fewer nurses during the day and this affects many patients. Some of us stay far away from Ganyesa and it’s a hustle to access the hospital due to lack of transportation. However, some nurses drag their feet just to prolong our hospital stay. We urge the North West Department of Health to look into the matter.
“We would like to know how many nurses are allocated during the day shift as this is getting out of hand. We also experience delays in treatment, including a general decline in the quality and timeliness of care processes. Sometimes patients leave without receiving treatment because of excessive wait times,” she said.
However, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane refuted these allegations and described them as absurd. Lekgethwane said they can confirm that there is no crisis of shortage of nurses at Ganyesa Hospital.
“This is according to the nursing staff establishment (structure). The total number of nurses appointed according to structure is 81, consisting of nursing managers, deputy manager, two assistant directors, five operational managers, 36 professional nurses, 15 enrolled nurses and 22 nursing assistants.
“There are a total of 13 vacant nursing posts, which comprises 5 enrolled nurses and 8 enrolled nursing assistants of which have currently been submitted for advertisement. The hospital operates with a total of 10 medical officers as per structure complimented by sub-district medical officers,” he said.
Lekgethwane further said the hospital waiting time is monitored according to the national waiting time guideline. He added that currently the average waiting time is at 1 hour 35 minutes against the target of 3 hours, so there are no long waiting queues.
“Queue marshals are appointed to assist with movement of patients within the hospital, triage system is fully implemented. There’s no overcrowding of patients as the hospital bed occupancy rate is at 62% for the month of September against the target of 60%-75%. The institution will further investigate the raised complaint and remains committed to provide an improved quality of service to all people seeking proper management of the patient waiting time system as per national guidelines and prescription.
“We appeal to patients and members of the community to raise the complaints to the institution at quality office as stipulated by Batho Pele principle, patients’ rights and constitution of the country. They can contact 053 998 9405 to launch their complaints,” said Lekgethwane.
Picture: Eight people died in a horrific accident/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
30 October 2025- The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma said eight people have died in a serious, horrific accident involving a truck and a minibus taxi on the N3 Van Reenen Pass. Duma said the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) is managing the traffic flow and emergency teams are at the scene.
He further said they are saddened by the death of people in a horrific accident on the N3 Van Reenen Pass – between KZN and Free State as they wrap up transport month. Duma added that their efficient and energetic RTI together with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Accident Unit, have launched an investigation to determine the cause of this accident involving a truck and a minibus taxi.
“The preliminary report from RTI indicates that eight people have died. We will update figures and give more detailed reports as we move along. This morning at 5am, I interacted with our energetic RTI team and Traffic Ambassador Ayanda Msweli.
“We are saddened by this accident in view of the fact that we had an accident-free Transport Month. The scene of the accident is currently active. In our engagement with N3 Toll Concession, we agreed to close N3 to allow rescue teams to do their work uninterrupted,” said Duma.
He said consequently, there is traffic congestion between Van Reenen and Swinburne. Duma said they request motorists to be patient and exercise extra caution.
The Guardian 