14 October 2025- The Congress of the People (COPE) said it strongly supports the revelations by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on how SAPS Crime Intelligence was abused for political ends. COPE said these disclosures vindicate its long-standing concerns about the African National Congress (ANC)’s misuse of state resources to undermine political opponents.
COPE’s acting National Chairperson, Pakes Dikgetsi said they categorically deny any involvement in recruiting police officers into their party ranks. Dikgetsi said COPE was never engaged in any systematic or authorised effort to politicise the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“If any isolated incident occurred where individuals associated with COPE interacted with police personnel, it was unauthorised, contrary to our ethos, and does not reflect the party’s official stance or actions.
“COPE has always championed accountability, transparency, and institutional integrity—values that stand in stark opposition to the politicisation of state organs. Founded in 2008 amid the erosion of principles of democracy and constitutionalism post-Polokwane, COPE emerged to defend the Constitution and uphold the rule of law,” he said.
Dikgetsi further said their record is clear. He added that they vehemently opposed the disbandment of the Scorpions, fought against Jacob Zuma’s state capture, and consistently advocated for independent law enforcement.
“To the contrary, COPE itself became a victim of sinister infiltration and sabotage by rogue elements within SAPS Crime Intelligence. It was Jacob Zuma and Nathi Mthethwa who initiated the capture and abuse of SAPS Intelligence to fight COPE, viewing it as a significant threat to their power. Under then-Minister Nathi Mthethwa, these elements were deployed to sow discord, spy on our members, and dismantle our party.
“Julius Malema has confirmed that when COPE posed a threat to the ANC’s tyranny, they established a war room at Luthuli House and enlisted rogue elements in SAPS Crime Intelligence to target political opponents using state resources,” said Dikgetsi.
He said this pattern of state capture undermines democracy and misuses intelligence services against rivals. Dikgetsi said COPE calls for a full, independent investigation into these abuses to ensure justice and prevent recurrence.
“We remain committed to depoliticised, professional SAPS serving all South Africans,” he said.
Picture: Mmabana Foundation top bodybuilding achievers to compete internationally/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
14 October 2025- The Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sport Foundation (MACFS) is flying the country’s flag up high once again with five bodybuilders scheduled to represent South Africa in Spain next month. The foundation is known as one of the top sporting foundations in the country for exposing its talented participants in artistic sport on international platforms.
MACFS Sports Manager, Patrick Mokoka said a few months ago, about 23 Mmabana bodybuilders participated in an International Federation of Body Builders (IFBB) body building fitness challenge in Pretoria for provincial team selection and all qualified to represent the province nationally. Mokoa said nationals were held in KwaZulu-Natal.
“They all got podium positions in their respective contests, with five of them selected to represent the country at the 2025 IFBB World Fitness Championships in Barcelona, Spain, in November.
“Three of the participants are from Lehurutshe Mmabana, while two are from Mmabana Mahikeng, They are: Vuyo Goliath and Oarabile Rababui, both from Mahikeng, and Lehurutshe’s Michael Masangana , Peter Lekoma and Sihle Radebe,” he said.
Mokoka further said they are ecstatic that they will be representing the country once again. He added that after the collapse of the program in 2018, following the North West uprising, they were in dire straits.
“I am so happy that after all that, Mmabana is doing it again. We revived the body building programme only earlier this year. We started doing well from the word go and it was this year that people started to show interest. We made it, and here we are, selected to participate in Spain.
“Such fitness programmers are also for many fitness benefits, including mental fitness, mental sharpness, and mental health. Hopefully, this will attract more young people to take part,” said Mokoka.
14 October 2025- A man (61) was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for murder by the Potchefstroom Regional Court. This comes after the accused Molefi Benjamin Ramohlokoane killed his intimate partner, Maria Masego Fumba (36) in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom on 11 February 2025.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said evidence presented in court revealed that Ramohlokoane and Fumba were in a relationship. Gunya said on the day of the incident, Fumba was cooking for her neighbour (77) when the accused entered the house in a fit of rage and jealousy and stabbed her multiple times with two knives.
“Fumba succumbed to her injuries, which included a fatal penetrating wound to the chest. Police were called to the scene and a case of murder was opened. Ramohlokoane was arrested the same day and remained in custody until the conclusion of the trial.
“During the trial, the accused pleaded guilty to the charge of murder, read with the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act. In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor advocate Hester Pretorius, argued that murder is among the most serious offences before the courts, particularly those committed within domestic relationships,” he said.
Gunya said Pretorius further emphasised the courts’ duty to impose deterrent sentences that protect the vulnerable and demonstrate society’s resolve to eradicate Gender-Based and Domestic Violence. He added that in handing down the sentence, the court found substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from life imprisonment and imposed a 25 year term of direct imprisonment.
Meanwhile, welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended both the prosecution and the investigative teams for their diligence and dedication. Makhari reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
Picture: Learners awarded bursaries during WSEP/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
14 October 2025- Eight North West High School learners are among the 54, who were awarded tertiary bursaries at the Water and Sanitation Educational Programme (WSEP) National Adjudication Award Ceremony hosted by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) on 6 October 2025, in Benoni, Gauteng.
The WSEP is the DWS’s educational programme, which is aimed at educating schools and communities about water use efficiency, management of toilet facilities, protection of water resources, health and hygiene for a healthy life and water safety.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa said it engages learners and educators in various educational projects such as Aqua Enduro, Public Speaking for high schools and Baswa-le-Meetse for primary schools. Mavasa said Aqua Enduro competition addresses shortage in the scientific and engineering disciplines within the water sector, targeting secondary school learners in Grade 10-11 studying mathematics and physical science.
“The competition aims to raise awareness about the importance of water quality. The competition is categorized into technical, posters and Aqualibrium assessments. Through hands-on projects and practical activities, learners and educators work together to investigate real-life water and sanitation challenges in their schools and communities, brainstorm innovative solutions and put their ideas into action.
“Public Speaking competition targets Grade 10-11 learners who are studying maths and science. The project is conducted in a debate format and it aims to change the mindset, attitude, and behaviour of South Africans in water and sanitation use efficiency,” she said.
Mavasa further said Baswa-le-Meetse which targets Grade 4-7 primary school learners who initiates water and sanitation projects using creativity to artistically sensitise their school communities through different art forms such as music, drama, poetry, praise poetry and posters. She added that the project should focus on any of the DWS themes of; water use efficiency, access to water, water quality, sustainable practices, greening, and health and hygiene.
“The North West Province was represented by eleven schools including 37 learners and educators who participated in the week-long WSEP national competitions. Six learners participated in the Public Speaking competition, and another 6 in Aqua Enduro while 25 learners in Baswa le Meetse competition.
“Schools representing the province in Public Speaking and Aqua Enduro included Thuto-Tsebo Secondary School in Orkney, Matlosana, Ramotshere Technical High school in Dinokana, ZM Seatlholo High School in Lotlhakane and Living Faith Independent Combined School and Golfview High School, both in Mahikeng, Tigerkloof High School in Vryburg and Pinagare High School in Taung,” said Mavasa.
She said primary schools that participated in Baswa-le-Metse are Boikhutsong Primary in Ventersdorp, Kamogelo Primary in Migdol near Schweizer-Reneke, Maiketso Primary School in Morokweng, as well as Modimokwane Primary in Mathibestad. Mavasa said two learners in Public Speaking competitions, Warona Kuntwane from Tigerkloof High School and Loane Monnanorwa from Pinagare High School, were among those awarded with tertiary bursaries and certificates.
“The Aqua Enduro North West team consisting of six learners, came third in the National Adjudications and they received tertiary bursaries, a trophy and certificates. The learners are Lwandle Nhlengethwa from Golfview High School in Mahikeng.
“This includes Warona Mahoko from Living Faith Independent Combined School in Mmabatho, Neo Sebekedi from Tigerkloof High School in Vryburg, Oarabile Tlhaole, also from Tigerkloof High School and Tlhalefo Sempe from Pinagare High School in Taung,” she said.
Mavasa said other participants are Lethabo Maoba from Ramotshere Technical High School in Dinokana and Kananelo Vilakazi from Thuto-Tsebo Secondary School in Orkney. She said moreover, a special award was given to Lethabo Maoba from Ramotshere Technical High School, who also received a laptop for being the overall top achiever in the 2025 Aqua Enduro competition.
“He was followed by Lwandle Nhlengethwa, from Golfview high school, also in the North West province, for being the second top overall achiever in the 2025 Aqua Enduro competitions.
“Bursary recipients of the Public Speaking and Aqua Enduro competitions will study water-related studies at universities of their choice and join the water sector. For Baswa le Meetse competitions two of the four primary schools walk away with cash prizes worth R30 000 on behalf of their schools,” said Mavasa.
She said Kamogelo Primary School in Migdol performed exceptionally scooped first position in the poetry category. Mavasa said the school received a cash prize of R20 000, while Maiketso Primary School in Morokweng also represented the province in the poster category and came third with a cash prize of R10 000.
13 October 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts will hold Public Finance Management Act public hearings with the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Department of Social Development and Department of Health over the 2024/25 audit outcomes and to seek clarity from responses on questions emanating from the Auditor General’s reports.
The Chairperson of SCOPA, Smuts Matshe said PFMA public hearings are scheduled to take place at Legislature Auditorium on Tuesday. Matshe said between 11h00 – 13h30, they will engage the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation.
“From 2pm to 4pm, we will engage the North West Department of Social Development, while the North West Department of Health will be engaged between 4pm and 6pm.
“The North West MEC for the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi, Department of Social Development, Basetsana Dantjie and Department of Health, Sello Lehari and senior management of the departments are expected to attend the public hearings,” he said.
13 October 2025- Four men briefly appeared before the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court facing multiple charges, including kidnapping, fraud, robbery with aggravating circumstances, impersonating a police official, unlawful possession of an automatic firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.
It is alleged that on 10 October 2025, at approximately 10am, the accused who were wearing Hawks T-shirts, stopped a vehicle in which the victim (42), was travelling. They allegedly pointed a rifle, forced him out of his vehicle, handcuffed him, covered his head with a T-shirt, and drove off with him in a white Golf GTI.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng,
Lumka Mahanjana said while driving along the R80 highway, members of the Tshwane Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) noticed the suspicious-looking Golf GTI with four occupants and the victim. Mahanjana said upon inspection, the officers discovered that the registration number on the Golf belonged to a different vehicle.
“A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, several rounds of live ammunition, dashboard blue lights, cable ties, a vehicle siren, and T-shirts with police emblems.
“The police immediately arrested all four suspects and rescued the victim. The matter was postponed to 20 October 2025, for bail information,” said Mahanjana.
Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Diko
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
13 October 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies will on Tuesday, be briefed by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) on the 2024/25 audit outcomes of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) and its entities, as well as the Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) and Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA).
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Diko said they will be briefed on the annual reports and financial statements in the year under review by the DCDT, South African Broadcasting Corporation, Sentech, Broadband Infraco, State Information Technology Agency, and Universal Services Access Agency of South Africa together with the Universal Services Access Fund.
Diko said the meeting will take place on Virtual platform (Link will be shared before the meeting starts) on Tuesday at 9am until 5pm.
13 October 2025 – A body of a woman (44) was found in a pool of blood by the police in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley. The police said the body of Mmasabata Anastacia Monareng was found lying in a pool of blood at Patosi Street, Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley on 8 November 2022.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Monareng was found with extensive injuries on her body that resulted in her being transported to the Robert Mangaliso Hospital for medical attention, where she succumbed to her injuries. Sam said the police request the assistance of the public in solving this case and request anyone with information to contact the Galeshewe SAPS or contact Detective Sergeant Chrisna von Wielliegh at 082 469 0547 or the SAPS Crime Stop line 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.
“All information received will be treated confidentially,” he said.
13 October 2025- The alleged Contravention of Sections of Medicine control Act case against Zimbabwean couple, Takundn Maturure (34) and Lydia Mapepeta (34), was postponed to 21 October 2025, by the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court for formal bail application. This comes after they were arrested for allegedly operating an illegal pharmacy and dispensed medicine without any qualifications.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said Kimberley Public Order Police (POP) received a tip-off regarding suspicious activities taking place in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley. Thebe said upon their arrival after assessing the scene, they summoned Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s Serious Organised Crime Investigations standby team.
“The police discovered a large consignment of medicine (tablets and bottled mixtures) as well as cash amounting to just below R160 000. The consignment included 114 bottles of Painogon syrup, 100 bottles of Stilpaine syrup, 100 bottles of Broncleer syrup, 30 bottles of lenazineforte syrup, 431 of mylon tablets.
“Each bottle was being sold for R60. The team felt a very strong smell of high-grade dagga coming from another room in the same yard prompting a search, a large quantity of dagga contained in black plastic bags estimated to be worth at least R90 000 was discovered and seized for further investigation,” he said.
Thebe further said the police could not link the dagga to anyone as no one was found in the room, but the investigation on linkage is continuing.
Picture: The roof of North West Department of Health Office collapsed
By OBAKENG MAJE
11 October 2025- The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari has confirmed that a section of the roof at the Health Office Park, which serves as the Department’s Provincial Head Office, has collapsed. Lehari said the department’s affected area accommodates the Financial Management, Salaries and Accounting Directorates.
He further said following the incident, immediate steps have been taken to safeguard employees and secure the building. Lehari added that the Department of Labour has been officially notified and will conduct an on-site inspection on Monday to assess compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards and determine the structural integrity of the building.
“Access to the building will remain restricted in the interim as a precautionary measure until safety has been verified and guaranteed. The Infrastructure Development and Technical Services (IDTS) unit, in collaboration with the OHS Committee, had previously presented an engineer’s report indicating that the building was safe for occupation.
“However, a subsequent assessment conducted last Thursday identified the ceiling as a potential risk and recommended that employees in the affected area be moved while a service provider was being sourced to address the matter urgently,” he said.
Lehari has assured employees and the public that the department is prioritising their safety above all else. He said safety and wellbeing of their employees remain their top priority.
“We are treating this incident with the urgency it deserves and will ensure that no staff member is placed at risk. We are working closely with relevant authorities to resolve this matter speedily and safely,” said Lehari.
Meanwhile, Superintendent General, Obakeng Mongale, reiterated the department’s commitment to transparency and swift action. Mongale said they have activated all necessary internal and external processes to assess the full extent of the damage and to implement corrective measures.
“We assure staff that interim working arrangements are being made to minimise disruption to critical services while ensuring everyone’s safety.
“The department will continue to communicate updates as more information becomes available following the Department of Labour’s assessment and the engineers’ further inspections,” said Mongale.
The Guardian 