Business women in Makwassie Hills receive equipment

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Picture: Business women in Makwassie Hills receive equipment/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

9 December 2025- Women entrepreneurs in Maquassi Hills hailed the North West Department of Social Development for providing them with material support to grow their Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). The department said equipment includes tools sets, fridges, dough rollers, gas stoves, tables, chairs, industrial washing machines, cake mixtures, pots, electric frying pans, micro ovens and chuffing dishes.

Presenting the equipment to the beneficiaries, Manager in the Office of MEC, Tebogo Chaane said the aim of the initiative is to provide women-led emerging businesses with the necessary equipment to enhance their productivity, efficiency and competitiveness in the market.

“Please make it a point that you sharpen your skills by studying. Be professional in your business. Make sure that you maintain cleanliness. As your businesses grow, make sure you hire unemployed people.

“The provision of material support to rural women across the province is in line with the departmental policy on economic strengthening of individuals, households and community initiatives which aims to reduce vulnerability, poverty and dependence on the state,” he said.

Chaane further said as part of social investment, the department has on an annual basis, procured equipment, machinery and materials for unemployed women who have livelihood strategies to uplift the socio-economic level of their communities and generate income for their respective households.

Meanwhile, community members from Kgakala Township, Tswelelang, Makwassi and Leeudoringstad, attend the handing over ceremony held under the theme: “The rise of rural women: building resilient future.” Since the beginning of the current financial year, the department has been providing equipment to women owned enterprises across the province.

Modiehi Motlhabane, who specialises in bakery and confectionery, attributed her profound thanks to God Almighty for enabling the department of social development to buy them equipment and deliver it at the right time.

“I thank God for giving us strength to wait for the equipment. I am so grateful. It is like I am born again. I appeal to all women to work hard as women. My advice to other women is to start businesses to fight poverty and unemployment. Now that we have received the equipment, we are going to work hard for the success of our businesses,” she added.

Another beneficiary from Kgakala Township, Kediemetse Selebalo, expressed her happiness after receiving material support from the department.

“Through the sale of food and cakes, I generated money for my Bachelor of Education foundation phase. Today, I am a graduate and I am still pursuing this business. Thank you very much for social development for boosting my business,” she said.  

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A company director sentenced for R3.6m tax fraud

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

9 December 2025- The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) in collaboration with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and other law enforcement agencies have secured six years imprisonment sentence with two years suspended for Tshepo Khoza in a tax fraud matter involving approximately R3.6 million, linked to systemic corruption within state procurement processes.

The IDAC spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, Khoza who is a director of Grey Apple Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd, was found guilty on three counts of fraud, one of which falls under Schedule 5 category (serious crimes) and one count of failing to register for Value-Added Tax (VAT) in contravention of section 234 of the Tax Administration Act. Mamothame said the conviction follows extensive investigations under Project Blue Lights, which uncovered that Grey Apple Trading Enterprise received tenders from the South African Police Service (SAPS) linked to the DNA project that resided under the FSL unit (forensic science laboratory).

“These tenders were awarded due to Khoza’s family relationship with a senior SAPS official. Despite earning approximately R3.6 million between 2015 and 2018, Khoza falsely declared the company to be dormant and failed to declare income to SARS. The corruption trial wherein he is charged with others will resume on 22 February 2026,” he said.

Meanwhile, the SARS Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter together with IDAC Head, Advocate Andrea Johnson, acknowledged the teamwork that led to this conviction, reinforcing the public’s trust in joint efforts to uphold tax compliance and fight corruption.

“Tax fraud is not a victimless crime. It is theft from the national fiscus and, ultimately, from the millions of South Africans who depend on government services for education, healthcare, and social support. Every rand stolen through fraudulent schemes undermines our country’s ability to deliver on its constitutional mandate. SARS will not tolerate such conduct.

“We will pursue every case relentlessly, and those who choose to defraud the system must know that accountability is certain and justice will prevail,” said Kieswetter.

Johnson said: “This outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between SARS, IDAC, and law enforcement agencies to combat tax-related crimes and corruption in public procurement. The case forms part of a broader strategy to dismantle networks that undermine fiscal integrity and public trust. This communicates our unswerving commitment to bring to book those that are committed to defraud the state,” she said.

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A man sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for murder

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

9 December 2025- A body of a boy (13) was discovered in the veld with a stab wound to his chest next to the Kalkfontein gravel road in Petrusville. The police in Petrusville said they were alerted by a passerby on 26 May 2025, at approximately 10am.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said upon arrival at the scene, the police discovered the body of a boy who was later identified as Dion Rudy Bezuidenhoudt. Shemane said a thorough police investigation led to the arrest of a suspect, Chris Blaauw (19).

“The police successfully opposed bail and the accused remained in custody throughout the court proceedings. On 8 December 2025, Blaauw pleaded guilty to the murder. He was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for murder by the De Aar Regional Court,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, reiterated that law enforcement agencies will not turn a blind eye to crimes committed against the most vulnerable members of society. Otola commended Detective Constable Jessica Julie of the Petrusville Detectives for her swift and thorough investigation, as well as the prosecutorial guided investigation that ensured the accused was removed from society for a considerable period.

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Police are looking for missing woman

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Picture: Missing Icherene Savada Sussana Windstaan/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

9 December 2025- The police in Kakamas are requesting the public to assist in locating a missing woman, Icherene Savada Sussana Windstaan (40). The police said Windstaan was last seen wearing light blue jeans, white shirt and white shoes before her disappearance.

ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said she is suspected of being in the vicinity of Upington. Masegela said anyone with information that can assist in locating her can contact the investigating officer, Captain Gabriel Matthys on 076 021 4734 or 082 447 190.

“The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a missing person,” she said.

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Morweng handed over 37 new vehicles to traffic officers

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Picture: New 37 vehicles to traffic officers to ensure visibility on all arterial routes in the province/Facebook

By AGISANANG SCUFF

8 December 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said all road users without exception will be expected to comply with traffic regulations. Morweng said those who will be caught bending the rules will face the wrath of the law.

He handed over new 37 vehicles to traffic officers to ensure visibility on all arterial routes in the province.

Morweng further said the handing over of the vehicles followed a Joint Inter-Provincial law enforcement operation with Gauteng Province just outside Potchefstroom, led by the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy. He added that they were accompanied by the Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela and North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua.

“If we are to reduce road fatalities, we have to be intentional in our approach. There must be a zero tolerance to all infractions however innocuous they may be. We are giving you these new 37 high-powered vehicles to specifically patrol and ensure visibility on N4, N12, N14 and N18.

“Patrols must also include all regional roads in the province. The target is to be visible especially during night which statistics have indicated record major crashes. The vehicles will enable traffic officers to efficiently patrol roads that have previously experienced not only high traffic volume but fatal accidents as well,” said Morweng.

He said the elite traffic policing unit will patrol N4 from Brits Toll Plaza which marks the boundary with Gauteng, all the way down to Skilpadshek, which marks the border with neighbouring Botswana. Morweng said the same patrolling will be on N12, N14, N18, R24, R30, R49 and R510.

“Since 1 December 2025, most of the fines issued for traffic offences ranged from drunk driving, speeding and reckless and negligent driving. Some of the drivers who were stopped had outstanding warrants of arrests against their traffic fines that they had ignored to pay.

“Traffic officers must clamp down on lawlessness on the road because previous records show that fatalities are as a direct result of excessive speeding, brazen disregard for the law and senseless recklessness,” he said.

Morweng said in the third quarter from September 2025, registered vehicles in the country had increased to 13 646 029 vehicles. He said of these, 684 000 were registered in the North West.

“Given that the province is both thoroughfares for SADC and other provinces, traffic is expected to heighten as holidaymakers will be coming to or passing through the province. This will add more pressure on the traffic officers and congestion on the roads during peak travel periods is also expected.

“Added to that, inclement weather as we are in the rainy season will also pressure them more. We therefore are appealing to all motorists to work with us. Those who will be in contravention of the law will find us uncompromising,” he said.

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Motsweding FM sports presenter, Oshebeng Koonyaditse wins a prestigious award

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Picture: Motsweding FM sports presenter, Oshebeng Alpheus Koonyaditse/Facebook

By BAKANG MOKOTO

8 December 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has congratulated one of the department’s employees, Oshebeng Alpheus Koonyaditse on being awarded the Telkom Radio Award. Morweng said Koonyaditse, who analyses sports for Motsweding FM on weekends, won at the awards held at Sandton Convention Centre on Saturday evening.

He further said the Telkom Radio Awards are South Africa’s most prestigious platform for recognising outstanding and innovative achievements in the radio industry. Morweng added that they have been awarded to individuals and stations for outstanding performances for over a decade.

“Koonyaditse had a long career in the media industry before joining public service, currently serving as the Head of Communications at the department. We applaud him for this achievement,” he said.

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CoGTA to present the Municipal Plan of Action to respond to HRC directives

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Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 December 2025- The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has resolved to take urgent and decisive action in response to a damning report by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). The resolution follows a special MUNIMEC meeting convened by the North West MEC for CoGTA, Oageng Molapisi, with executive mayors, mayors and Municipal Managers from all affected local and district municipalities in the province.

In the meeting, SAHRC Commissioner, Dr Henk Boshoff, presented the report’s findings, detailing complaints against the 14 municipalities such as Matlosana, JB Marks, Maquassi Hills, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Lekwa Teemane, Kagisano Molopo, Ngaka Modiri Molema, Mahikeng, Ditsobotla, KgetlengRivier, Madibeng, Moretele, Moses Kotane and Rustenburg. Molapisi said the report painted a grim picture of communities without clean running water, sewer running in streets, lack of roads infrastructure and municipalities weakened by instability and poor management.

“The findings represent not only service delivery failures but human rights violations. When we fail to provide water, sanitation, electricity, remove refuse or maintain trafficable roads, we are stripping our people of their dignity. We need to do better as municipalities.

“CoGTA has also resolved to further strengthen oversight, where governance has collapsed, increase support to struggling municipalities and intervene decisively where needed. We will drive the filling of critical vacant posts, including technical services, enforce compliance with laws and hold those who break them accountable and clean up municipal finances and ensure accountability,” he said.

Molapisi further said municipalities committed to resolving service challenges with some already indicating progress. He added that CoGTA will consolidate an Action Plan to present to the SAHRC in order to meet the timelines set out by the report.

“We do not have the luxury of time. So, we must speedily respond to the issues raised to give our people hope and drive change in our communities,” said Molapisi.

Meanwhile, Boshoff urged municipalities to implement the SAHRC’s directives urgently and within the outlined timelines, warning that the Commission would not hesitate to “name and shame” non-performing municipalities.

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Drugs worth millions discovered in clandestine laboratory in Makapanstad

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By OBAKENG MAJE

8 December 2025- Millions worth of drugs were discovered at a clandestine laboratory in Makapanstad, in North West by the members of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in the Western Cape together with Counter-narcotics and Gangs, Western Cape. It is alleged that the members of Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the Western Cape, followed up information relating to a suspect that fled in a different case involving proliferation of drugs when the information led them to a small holding in Thulwe in the north west of Maubane in North West.

The Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said upon the Hawks arrival, six suspect aged between 44 and 55, were found manufacturing mandrax. Mogale said large quantities finished product (tablets) as well as powder were found on the scene.

“All six were arrested. Drug press, crusher machine scales and packaging bags were confiscated. The six suspects will appear in court soon on charges of manufacturing of drugs,” she said.

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Child-headed family receives a newly-built house

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Picture: Child headed family received a newly-built house/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 December 2025- Christmas came early for a child-headed family of five in Bodibe village, near Itsoseng. This comes after the family received the keys to their newly-built and fully-furnished house from the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi.

The Koba family had been living in difficult conditions since losing both their parents. Their mother passed away earlier this year and their father died a few years ago.

The department approached one of its housing developers to assist the family by building them a home. The department partnered with Leano 87 Solutions to construct the new house as part of its mandate to create sustainable human settlements and improve people’s lives.

Kabelo Koba (25), the eldest of the family, explained that they had been destitute and struggling to make ends meet since the death of their parents. Of the five children, only two—Kabelo and Naledi (23)—receive the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, while Motheo (17), Boitshepo (7) and Kamano(3) receive the Child Support Grant.

The family has been surviving on these grants, which Kabelo said were not enough to sustain them.

“This is a great relief for us as a family because we will now live in peace without worrying about being chased away. We would like to thank the department and everyone who played a role in improving our lives,” he said.

Meanwhile, Molapisi stated that the government is committed to ensuring that the people of the North West receive the services they deserve. He said the department needs to strengthen coordination with all three spheres of government to speed up service delivery.

“The department is mandated to build houses for citizens, despite challenges related to housing development. As the department, we must ensure that we prioritise marginalised groups—women, child-headed families and people living with disabilities—to ensure they receive the necessary support and benefit from government services,” he said.

According to the Head of Department, Kgomotso Mahlobo, the Department of Social Development first alerted Human Settlements about the family’s plight. Mahlobo said Social Development also provided the family with food parcels as part of fulfilling children’s basic rights.

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City of Matlosana officials nabbed for fraud and corruption

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Picture: The City of Matlosana

By AGISANANG SCUFF

8 December 2025- Members of the Provincial Organised Crime speedily responded to a complaint from City of Matlosana Local Municipality in Klerksdorp on 2 December 2025. The members were briefed about individuals who complained to the municipality about employment contracts they allegedly signed on 17 November 2025, on condition that they pay R10 000.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said further that, despite paying the required amount, they were not employed. Mpkgwabone said a preliminary investigation into the matter uncovered that two municipal officials and two other persons were involved.

“The municipal officials were identified and arrested. In addition, two suspects were arrested on Anderson Street and found in possession of four completed employment application forms bearing municipal logo. The suspect’s vehicle, a blue Toyota Corolla was confiscated.

“The accused, Paul Itumeleng (60), Tuelo Molekane (40), Simon Sethabela (50) and Thabo Kgafane (32), appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 4 December 2025, on charges of fraud, corruption and impersonating municipal officers,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said they were all remanded in custody for further investigation, and will be back in court on 10 December 2025. He added that the fifth suspect who is reported to be working at the municipality and aged 44, appeared in court after being arrested on 4 December 2025, in Klerksdorp.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, lauded the Provincial Organised Crime members and senior municipal officials for exposing and arresting the suspects who were apparently going to continue to exploit unsuspecting jobseekers.   

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