Motsumi’s engagement with underperforming schools continue

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 August 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she met with selected secondary school principals from the Rustenburg LEO at Bersig Academy in Rustenburg to further deliberate the challenges they are confronted with in their schools. Motsumi said this meeting comes after eight schools ( Charora, Reebone, Mphebana, MpheBana ll, Lesele, Boitekong, Boitekong ll, and Khayalethu Secondary Schools) in the LEO being found underperforming.

She further said principals shared their insights, which are critically affecting teaching and learning as socio-economic conditions, learner performance, where most learners are overage, and some are from child headed families. Motsumi added that the department is committed to listening and giving achievable objectives that the schools need to achieve enhanced academic performance.

“Our schools are facing challenges that are real and it is important that we create a close relationship with principals and their senior management teams. Our main objective as the department is to give more support to all learners in order for them to perform better.

“We will continue meeting other Local Education Offices in Bojanala to assist principals in coming up with interventions in order to ensure that learner’s performance is boosted,” she said.

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Police looking for armed robbery suspects

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Picture: Three suspects seen robbing a motorist/Screenshot

By AGISANANG SCUFF

24 August 2025 – The police in North West said they are aware of a video doing the rounds on social media platforms regarding an armed robbery that took place on Thursday afternoon, 21 August 2025, at the intersection of Bray Road and Unit 13. This comes after two men seen in the video that went viral robbing at gunpoint, the occupants of a white Toyota Fortuner. A substantial amount of cash was taken during the robbery.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh a case has been opened and an investigation into the matter is underway. Mburgh said the police request anyone who may have information that can assist in the investigation to call Lieutenant Colonel Ompolokile Letebele on 082 416 3749 or Detective Sergeant Pitso Kgetsana on 079 897 1858. 

“The SAPS Crime Stop number: 08600 10111, can also be called. Anonymous tip-offs can be shared via the MySAPS App,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “The fact that this incident happened in public in broad daylight and that it was recorded and circulated on social media says that there are witnesses with information that can lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects.

“It is clear that this was a well-planned and not random robbery as the suspects knew what they were looking for, which was the money that the victim had. The request and message to those who saw what happened or may identify the perpetrators, is to please assist the police and not allow these dangerous rascals to escape arrest.”

Asaneng further said keeping quiet will only benefit and embolden these armed, dangerous criminals, who must be stopped before they injure or kill innocent people. He added that, anyone who has information and does not want their identity revealed, are assured that all information will be handled with utmost confidentiality.

“Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” said Asaneng.

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MRM condemns attack on a teacher

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Picture: Learners pouring a teacher with water/Screenshot

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

23 August 2025- The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Friday condemned the conduct of several learners at Hoër Tegniese Skool in Klerksdorp describing it as despicable, bordering on criminality and barbarism.

The MRM said this follows a video that has gone viral on social media depicting an attack on a male teacher by several balaclava clad students, who poured a bucket of water on him and pelted him with papers on the school premises. 

The Convenor of the MRM Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said: “The level of disrespect, abuse and violence that our educators are subjected to on a daily basis has reached unacceptable and alarming proportions and unimaginable trauma.

“This warrants adoption of zero tolerance and stringent counter measures because not only does such conduct undermine discipline but a conducive atmosphere for effective learning and teaching particularly at most high schools.”

He commended the swift actions of school authorities assisted by learners to identify the culprits, who were involved as well as instituting disciplinary action. Kgwele urged education authorities and school communities not to allow schools to be breeding grounds of gangsters and criminality, pointing out that schools are microcosms of communities experiencing moral decay, collapse of family structures and senseless violence.

“This calls for united action as well as intensified effort to reclaim sound family and community values. The adopt-a-cop programme that is supposed to be part of the School Safety & the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QTLC) is in most cases either dysfunctional or overwhelmed by gangsterism, bullying, drug and substance abuse among learners as well as violent crimes that are encroaching into the school environment.

“A comprehensive roll out of a sustainable value driven schools programme will contribute towards curbing anarchy,” he said.

Kgwele underscored that an inclusive National Dialogue process should also focus on violence in schools, including safety in communities to entrench sound family and community values. He further said it will also afford diverse stakeholders with an interest in quality public education and safer communities to redefine the type of schools, communities and the South Africa that they want.

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A man in court for allegedly raping an elderly woman

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By REGINALD KANYANE

23 August 2025- A 20-year-old accused is expected to make a second appearance before the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 25 August 2025, for a bail application. The accused initially appeared before the court on 18 August 2025, for allegedly raping an elderly woman (76) at Molatswaneng Section in Amalia on 15 August 2025. The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said according to reports, the old woman was sleeping at night when she heard footsteps inside her house and went to investigate. Myburgh said she allegedly saw a person standing next to the bedroom door.

“It is alleged that the old woman screamed, but the accused put his hand on her mouth to prevent her from screaming. The accused then robbed the old woman of her cash, raped her and fled from the scene.

“A case was registered after the police were summoned and the suspect was successfully traced and arrested. Investigations are underway by the Vryburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “The arrest of this suspect is a painful and regrettable proof of the endemic, moral depravity, deviance and violence that women, girl children and the elderly are exposed and subjected to even by men and young boys. 

“In order to effectively deal with the pandemic that is Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and crimes against women, children and the elderly, a proactive, holistic, pragmatic root cause diagnosis and moral regeneration approach must be adopted.”

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A boyfriend arrested for murder of a missing woman

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Picture: The missing Kedisaletse Audrey Ditire/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 August 2025- A boyfriend (50) of a missing Kedisaletse Audrey Ditire (52) was arrested for murder by the North West Anti-Gang Unit at a farm in Amalia on 21 August 2025. This comes after he pointed out her decomposed body at a farm, where he was employed in Amalia.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said according to information received, Ditire was last seen by her boyfriend, whom she visited on Thursday midday, 29 May 2025, near the R506 road between Amalia and Christiana, near Kgwejana Farm, while on her way to a local store. Myburgh said a boyfriend reported her missing on 7 June 2025.

“He was later arrested during police investigations and charged under Section 49 of the Immigration Act, for allegedly being illegally in the country and was remanded in custody.

“He will appear before the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 25 August 2025, on a charge of murder. Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” she said.

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A man nabbed for murder and attempted murder

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Picture: The deceased, Kgaugelo Marota/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 August 2025- A man (26) was arrested for murder and attempted murder by the police in the early hours of Friday morning, 22 August 2025, in Carousel View, near Maubane. The suspect allegedly murdered his ex-girlfriend, Kgaugelo Marota (20) and attempted to kill his current girlfriend (20).

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the reports suggest that, the lifeless body of Marota was found lying in the street with multiple stab wounds outside Dubai tavern on 21 August 2025, in Maubane village. Myburgh said Marota was declared dead on the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS).  

“Further investigations into the matter revealed that the suspect, after allegedly stabbing his ex-girlfriend, went back to his house, where he stabbed his current girlfriend multiple times.

“The victim was taken to a local hospital, where she is receiving medical treatment. Following the incidents, the suspect posted the reasons behind his evil deeds on social media,” she said.

Myburgh further said a suspect is expected to appear before the Temba Magistrate’s Court on 25 August 2025, on charges of murder and attempted murder.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “The police will make sure that a watertight case is put before the court and that the suspect will answer for his dastardly and cowardly crimes against defenceless women.”

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Whistle-blowers’ protection non-negotiable

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

22 August 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration said it has noted with concern the latest media reports alleging serious irregularities at the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA) – the agency responsible for administering funds for the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), serving 1.7 million employees and pensioners.

According to media reports, a senior financial manager was suspended after refusing to approve payments of over R21 million that he deemed questionable. He now faces disciplinary measures.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Jan de Villiers said the manager had reportedly previously asked the Minister of Finance to investigate contracts dating back to June. De Villers said last week, the committee noted media reports about an alleged “ghost contract” for the lease of a non-existent building by the GPAA.

“The contract reportedly related to the lease of a building for GPAA’s headquarters for the next 10 years at a cost of just under R1 billion, allegedly without following proper procurement processes.

“The latest developments are very concerning as they reflect a pattern of potential irregularities and financial misconduct at the agency,” he said.

De Villiers further said the public’s trust in government is undermined when individuals tasked with safeguarding pensioners’ funds face reprisals for speaking out. He added that the committee has requested a joint meeting with the Standing Committee on Finance to examine these allegations further and ensure accountability.

“Whistle-blower protection for law-abiding citizens is non-negotiable. If individuals who act in good faith to protect the public purse are silenced or punished, we risk eroding the foundations of ethical, transparent and accountable governance.

“The committee’s commitment is to clean governance and protect pensioners’ funds. We will continue to demand full disclosure from the GPAA, monitor all related investigations and ensure that there are consequences where wrongdoing is identified,” said de Villiers.

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North West Social Services Professional Indaba underway

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Picture: The North West Department of Social Development said the Services Professionals Indaba is currently underway in Hartbeespoort Dam/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 August 2025- The North West Department of Social Development said the Services Professionals Indaba is currently underway in Hartbeespoort Dam. The department said the purpose of the two-day social work indaba is to develop proposals and interventions aimed at improving service delivery in the communities, to foster integration and multi-disciplinary approach among social service professionals and to create a platform for social service professionals to share best practices, experiences and case studies with the academia.

The North West MEC Sussana Dantjie is expected to address 300 delegates from the four districts, including representatives from North West University (NWU) and Independent Electoral commission (IEC). As part of the proceedings, Dantjie will launch the Provincial Social Work Supervisory Learning and Support Forum (NWSLSF) to ensure uniformity in the implementation of social work supervision across the province.

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Morweng condemns violent behaviour by people targeting private vehicles claiming to be taxi industry representatives

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

22 August 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng condemns violent behaviour by people targeting private vehicles claiming to be taxi industry representatives. Morweng has called on police and other law enforcement entities to deal decisively with a group of people who claim to represent taxis owners and operators by stopping private vehicles and forcing other passengers to use taxis.

“One incident was experienced by some private vehicle owners between Brits and Letlhabile this past Sunday. According to the information received, a group of people were stopping cars and where they found passengers, they forcefully removed them and placed them in taxis.

“We have cautioned those behind such illegal actions. I have heard about one incident in Brits that started Sunday, though our Provincial Regulatory Entity managed to deal with it, I am cautioning others to refrain from that.

“It’s illegal and we won’t tolerate that. Those who experienced that treatment must also open criminal cases at the nearest police stations as that actions are pure criminality,” he said.

Morweng further said they are a constitutional country not a banana republic, where everybody must just wake up and infringe on somebody’s constitutional rights. He added that the Provincial Regulatory Entity is also monitoring other roads for similar incidents and traffic officers are on high alert to assist private vehicle owners and users.

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Kgetsi ya polao ya kwa Majaneng e buseditswe morago

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

22 August 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa, Motseothata Seoleseng (35) wa kwa motseng wa Majaneng, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung go fitlha 9 Lwetse 2025. Go begwa fa kgotlhatshekelo e ntshitse lekwalo-tshwaro kgatlhanong le Tshotlhego mabapi le go sa iponatse kwa kgotlhatshekelo fa a tlhokega.

Seoleseng one a tshwara le go latofadiwa ka go tlhaba le go bolaya tsala ya gagwe, Mosimanegape Adam van Wyk (31), ka thiba.

Go begwa fa Seoleseng ga mmogo le moswi, ba ne ba le mmogo, mme ba ile ba ya kwa gabo molatofadiwa ko ba fitlhetseng morwa rragwe molatofadiwa, Tshotlhego, a na le lekgarebe la gagwe.

Mongwe wa bo maratahelele wa tlhalosa: “Go begwa fa go ile ga runya kgakgauthano ya mafoko ma gareng ga molatofadiwa le monnawe. Sebakwa sa kgakgauthano ke gore, molatofadiwa one a botsa monnawe gore goreng a tlisa lekgarebe kwa gagabo.

“Ene ya re fa e ya matsogong, tsala ya molatofadiwa, van Wyk a leka go tsiriganya. Fela go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ne a mo tsogela kgatlhanong, mme a mo tsatsanka ka thipa. Go ya ka dipego, moswi one a rwalelwa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung, fela one a balelelwa le badimo mo letsatsing la Tshipi.”

Go begwa fa kgetsi ya polao ene ya bulwa, mme mmelaelwa one a tshwarwa.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are kgetsi ya polao e butswe.

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