3 August 2025- A man (35) was sentenced to double life imprisonment for rape and murder. This comes after the accused, Selby George brutally raped and murdered Thobeka Bosman (21) in Marydale.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the victim’s half-naked body was discovered on 7 October 2018, at approximately 8am under the bridge on Snyman Street, Marydale. Kock said Bosman had been raped and strangled.
“George was arrested shortly thereafter and remained in custody until his sentencing in the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kimberley on 1 August 2025,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Kholiswa Otola, praised the Detective Sergeant, Lewellyn Smit of the Marydale Detectives for his meticulous investigation and commended the collaborative efforts between the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which resulted in this landmark double life sentence for a Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) conviction — a significant development as the country marks Women’s Month.
“Let us continue to unite in the fight against the scourge of GBVF,” said Otola.
3 August 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Education, Abraham Vosloo said their Online Admission System continues to set the standard nationwide, serving as a benchmark for effective and efficient learner admissions. Vosloo said the application period for the 2026 academic year was open from 14 April until 23 May 2025, during which they received a total of 30 409 applications for Grades R, 1 and 8.
“The first round of the placement process for learners commenced on 31 July 2025 at 5pm. Parents and legal guardians have received SMS notifications informing them of the outcome of their child’s placement. The second round of placements will take place on 22 August 2025.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the admission teams at both Provincial and District offices for their unwavering commitment and hard work. Their dedication ensures that all placements will be concluded by the end of November 2025,” he said.
Picture: The police during Operation Basadi/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
3 August 2025- As part of the ongoing commitment to creating a safer South Africa, the police in the Northern Cape conducted intensified, high-density operations from 28 July until 3 August 2025, under the banner of Operation Shanela II. The police said these weekly operations focused on priority crimes across the province and aimed to assert the authority of the state.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said in line with Women’s Month and to honour the role of women in law enforcement, Operation Basadi was officially launched on 1 August 2025. Shemane said it forms part of the broader Operation Shanela framework and emphasizes the importance of female officers in frontline policing.
“The multi-disciplinary teams carried out a wide range of intelligence-driven and disruptive policing activities, including, high-visibility blue-light patrols, stop-and-search operations, roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints.
“Detective teams traced and arrested wanted suspects who had been evading the law. During these operations a total of
12 315 individuals and 6 803 vehicles were stopped and searched,” he said.
According to Shemane, 341 suspects were arrested for various offences, including murder, assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), drug dealing, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, illegal immigration, house-breaking and illicit mining. He further said several non-compliant liquor premises were also closed down.
“The police in collaboration with external stakeholders, conducted compliance inspections at various premises including, formal and informal businesses, scrapyards, liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, mines and farms.
“Numerous items were confiscated during the operations, such as a significant amount of alcohol, cash, counterfeit goods, dangerous weapons, illicit tobacco products, a firearm and drugs,” added Shemane.
He said furthermore, awareness campaigns were hosted in Kimberley by the Provincial Corporate Communication and Liaison in partnership with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). Shemane said these initiatives focused on educating the public on human trafficking, extortion and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the collaborative efforts between the police, community members and stakeholders. Otola expressed her appreciation for their continued support in prioritising community safety and upholding the law.
Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Health, Maruping Lekwene
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
3 August 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Health, Maruping Lekwene said he welcomes the investigation report presented and officially handed over to the Department by the Health Onbudsman. Lekwene said following the official release of the investigation report, they are moving expeditiously with the immediate appointment of a Provincial Task Team, as outlined in the Health Ombudsman’s report to monitor the implementation of the recommendations that will improve the overall safety and quality of patient care.
He further said he will personally oversee the implementation of this comprehensive plan and provide regular updates to the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, EXCO, Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and all statutory bodies on progress made since the release of the investigation report. Lekwene added that a dedicated task team will be appointed immediately to track progress against all defined actions and timelines.
“We will review monthly reports from NCMHH and RMSH CEOs and Provincial Department Head. Ensure timely financial reporting in accordance with the PFMA. Engage regularly with the OHSC and Mental Health Review Boards on compliance and patient outcomes.
“The officials that have findings against them will be sanctioned and disciplined in accordance with the report. This includes clinical staff at both the Mental Health and Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe hospitals,” he said.
Lekwene said the actions to be taken, includes reporting them to their professional bodies such as the health professions council. He said the department is in the process of concluding its investigations into the specific transactions and procurement that the Ombudsman has found as suspect and include exaggerated costs.
“The department will indeed ensure that thorough review of the clinical governance guidelines and SOP’s are undertaken at both affected hospitals. It is important that all hospitals in the province take the lessons that are proffered by the Ombudsman.
“As the department, we remain committed to fully operationalizing the Mental Health Hospital and other facilities. We continue to do so, bearing in mind that the challenge of plenty of needs and limited resources is universal, especially in the health sector where the supply and demand is always asymmetrical,” said Lekwene.
He said they shall ensure that there are no gaps of accountability and below par performance in the commitments that they make to the people. Lekwene said they shall certainly ensure that they shape things up.
“We intend to realise the commitment to overhaul the administration for effective and efficient performance. Within the coming week, following the release of the final report we shall take decisive action against some of the officials named in the report including the referral to professional bodies.
“We will zoom into the plunder and mismanagement of public resources and them out. We will make a cogent case for adequate resourcing of health services in the department. The process of reviewing contracts that are deemed not beneficial to the department is moving forward apace as top priority,” he said.
Lekwene said it is for this reason that the department in consultation with Provincial Treasury, will look into the appointment of a forensic investigation team to lead the forensic investigation on all procurement processes at the hospital as concluded. He said they have an approved organisational structure, which is aligned to the new strategic plan, with a cogent and practical plan to recruit, develop and train the requisite human resources.
“It is important to note what the report highlights that financial austerity will be one of the factors that are listed as having contributed to the state of our facilities. The report also makes it patently clear that mismanagement and malfeasance is a factor.
“All of these are material in terms of health outcomes. We are hugely regretful for the lives lost under these circumstances, including the challenges experienced at the Mental Hospital,” said Lekwene.
He said these affected both patients and staff and one may include the general public. Lekwene said this includes long periods for which there was no power supply as a result of vandalism.
“The report of the Ombudsman opens further space for quality improvement and decisive action that will strengthen the citizens’ belief in the public health sector. This is imperative because we are the sole provider of health services for the majority of the citizens of our province.
“Our duty is to ensure that we serve them with dignity and a great deal of duty of care throughout the chain of levels within the health system,” he said.
3 August 2025- The Northern Cape Department of Education is proud to announce the official launch of its E-Recruitment System, GovRecruit. The department said this is a ground-breaking digital platform designed to modernise and streamline human resource management across the education sector.
The Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe said GovRecruit represents a major step forward in its digital transformation strategy. The system will automate and fast-track the recruitment process from job advertisements and applications to selection and appointment. Van der Merwe said it also promotes transparency, accountability and efficiency through audit trails, automated tracking and standardised procedures.
“This initiative forms part of the department’s broader commitment to embrace innovation and technology, to improve service delivery. By leveraging ICT and digital platforms, we aim to ensure wider access, improve candidate quality and foster a more efficient, transparent recruitment process.
“The official launch will take place at Kimberley Boys High School at 8am,” he said.
Picture: The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube
By OBAKENG MAJE
3 August 2025- The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube said she will deliver the keynote address at the 29th Annual International Education Law Conference, hosted by the South African Education Law Association (SAELA). Gwarube said this year’s conference is held under the theme: “Evolution and the Law: Empowering Change, Embracing the Future.”
“The theme reflects the conference’s focus on how education law can support meaningful transformation, safeguard rights and equip learners, educators, and leaders for a rapidly evolving world.
“Over the course of the event, participants will engage with thought-provoking presentations, panel discussions, and workshops exploring the shifting legal and policy terrain in education,” she said.
Gwarube further said they will speak to the power of education law in enabling transformation and justice in South Africa’s education system, and the importance of embracing innovation in a time of accelerated global change. She added that the event will take place at the Wilderness Hotel, Garden Route, Western Cape on Monday at 8am.
1 August 2025- A man (37) was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the Victoria West Regional Court for murder. This comes after Jan Jonkers brutal murdered his girlfriend, Charlene Tieties (31).
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the incident occurred on 30 January 2025, at approximately 00:30. Kock said Jonkers viciously assaulted and stabbed Tieties with a knife at their residence.
“Despite being rushed to hospital for urgent medical care, Tieties succumbed to her injuries at approximately 1:30am. Jonkers fled the scene, but was arrested later that same day. His bail application was denied.
“On 31 July 2025, he was convicted and sentenced to 25 years direct imprisonment for murder,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended Detective Sergeant Basil Abrahams of the Victoria West Detectives and prosecutor, Caswell Joseph for their outstanding collaborative efforts, which led to the successful conviction and sentencing.
Picture: Newly-appointed Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, Justice Dunstan Mlambo
By BAKANG MOKOTO
1 August 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola said he welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appointment of Justice Dunstan Mlambo as Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa. Xola said Mlambo brings with him a wealth of experience and a distinguished track record in the judiciary.
Nqola further said he served as Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court for over a decade. He added that Mlambo has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the independence of the judiciary, access to justice, and the transformation of the legal system.
“His appointment is another positive step in the transformation of the judiciary and ensuring that it remains the protectors of our constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
“The portfolio committee extends its congratulations to Mlambo on his appointment and wishes him success in this new role of national importance. We are confident that he will serve with integrity, wisdom, distinction and dedication to the Constitution,” emphasised the Chairperson,” said Nqola.
1 Phatwe 2025- Monna o neetswe kotlhao ya dingwaga di thataro kwa kgolegelong mabapi le go teketa ka maikaelelo a go ntsha dikgobalo. Go begwa fa mmagwe mosimanyana wa dingwaga di le 10, a ne a fitlhela morwae a tlhapile ka dikeledi, mme a mo botsa gore matsapa di a tsaya kae.
Go begwa fa mosimanyana o, a ile a tlhalosetsa mmagwe fa malomagwe a mo jele ka samboko morago ga go mo latofatsa ka go teketa morwae, o monnye ka dingwaga. Go ya ka mosimanyana o, one a leka go thibela ntsalae go ya go tshamekela kwa letamong le le kgotlhelegileng.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Kapa Bokone, Sergeant Molefi Shemane are go begwa fa malomagwe mosimanyana o, a sa rata kgang eo. Shemane are, malomagwe one a mo tshela thupa go utlwala ka maikaelelo a go ntsha dikgobalo.
“Go ile ga tsoga kgakgauthano magareng ga mmagwe mosimanyana o, le malomagwe. Go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ile a tlala tshakgalo le go tshepisa mmagwe mosimanyana o, o eleng kgaitsadie go mo tlhaba ka thipa.
“Mmagwe mosimanayana o, one a le botsa phokoje le go ya go kopa thuso kwa sepodisi. Monna o, one a tshwarwa le go atlholelwa dingwaga di le 6 kwa kgolegelong ke kgotlhatshekelo ya sedika ya De Aar,” Shemane wa tlhalosa.
Fela Shemane are, katlholo e, ene ya beelwa thoko dingwaga di le tlhano, fela fa molatofadiwa a sa bonwe molato mabapi le ditatofatso tse di tshwananang le tse. Shemane are gape molatofadiwa one a kaiwa fa a sa tshwanelwa ke go tshola sethunya.
Kgabagare, botsamaisi jwa sepodisi kwa sedikeng sa Pixley Ka Seme, bo akgotse mmatlisisi mo kgetsing e, Detective Constable Dineo Potjeng go tswa kwa lephateng le le dirang ka dikgetsi tsa dintwa tsa malapa, tshotlhakako ka thobalo le bana kwa Carnarvon. Botsamaisi bo kaile fa Potjeng a dirile tiro e ntle ka go netefatsa fa ngwana o, a bona bosiamisi.
1 August 2025- The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) said it is outraged and deeply disappointed by the Constitutional Court’s decision to set aside the ruling that would have finally delivered long-overdue justice to Nkosana Makate, the rightful inventor of the revolutionary “Please Call Me” service.
The ANCYL said the latest development is not just a legal technicality, but a blow to black innovation, a betrayal of justice and a stark reminder of how corporate power continues to undermine the rights of the working class and black professionals in South Africa.
The ANCYL Secretary General, Mntuwoxolo Ngudle said Makate’s intellectual property was exploited by Vodacom and instead of being fairly compensated, he has spent more than two decades in courtrooms fighting for the recognition and reward that is rightfully his. Ngudle said that is not justice, that is cruelty disguised as legal process.
“The ANCYL stands firmly and unapologetically with Makate. We believe his victory is not just personal, but a symbol of a broader struggle for black creators, whose ideas are stolen or undervalued by powerful corporations that benefit from apartheid-era economic structures,” he said.
Ngudle further said they demand immediate and fair settlement with Makate that reflects the billions in revenue generated by his idea. He added that they demand parliamentary oversight on how Vodacom and other telecom companies treat intellectual property claims by workers and innovators.
“We demand urgent transformation of South Africa’s corporate and legal culture to protect black innovation from theft, exploitation and delay tactics. We also call on the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition to review legislative gaps in intellectual property law that allow such blatant injustice to persist under the guise of litigation.
“Makate’s fight is our fight and we will not rest until corporate South Africa understands that black brilliance cannot be stolen with impunity. The time for Vodacom to do the right thing is now. History will not be kind to those who side with power over principle,” said Ngudle.
Meanwhile, the ConCourt referred the matter back to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA).
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