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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Police urge citizens to be cautious during festive season

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By REGINALD KANYANE

8 December 2025- The police in the North West urge the citizens to be cautious while at home, in shopping malls, tourist attractions or travelling and utilising major freeways, provincial routes, and tourist corridors. The police said it is also significant that responsibility is exercised during this time, which is known for specific crime dynamics, include alcohol abuse by some citizens and motorists. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said as part of ensuring road safety, motorists are urged to be vigilant and avoid driving while under the influence of alcohol and to strictly obey the road traffic regulations. Mokgwabone said regarding liquor, the North West Liquor Licensing Act, 2016, among others, sets out rules for the responsible sale and consumption of liquor.

“In enforcing compliance, the law enforcement officers will not hesitate to deal decisively with anybody who sells liquor in contradiction of the licence. Schools will soon be closing, and it is vital that they are safe from any form of vandalism or break-ins.

“This can be achieved through the active participation of the community, working together with the School Governing Bodies (SGBs), Community Police Forums (CPFs) and the police to ensure safety within and around schools to ensure that learners find them still in the condition they left them upon returning in 2026, to allow timeous commencement of learning,” he said.

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Leader of IPHC not ready to proceed with bail

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Picture: The leader of IPHC, Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 December 2025- The case against the leader of the International Pentecost Holiness Church, Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana (64), was postponed to 6 March 2026, for further investigations because Sandlana was not ready to proceed with his bail application. His three co-accused, a Judge of the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria Judge, Portia Phahlane (57), her son Kagiso Phahlane (32) and Vusi Soli Ndala (49), were previously released on bail with stringent conditions. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said all four accused are collectively facing 19 counts of corruption. Mahanjana said it is alleged that between 2021 and 2022, Ndala and Sandlana made payments of about R2.4 million on different occasions to different banking accounts, to and for the benefit of Judge Phahlane, for her to preside over Sandlana’s ongoing civil case at the high court and ultimately rule in his favour.

“Intensive prosecution-led investigations by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team led to the arrest of the four accused persons on 25 and 26 November 2025. Sandala is remanded in custody,” she said.

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Tembisa Hospital and Hawks official granted bail

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 December 2025- The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has granted bail of R5 000 each to two accused persons, Zacharia Chisele (53), an official at Tembisa Hospital, and Sergeant Papi Tsie (41), a Hawks officer. Both are facing a charge of corruption.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 23 November 2025, the two met with the Hawks investigating officer involved in an ongoing investigation of corruption at the Tembisa Hospital. Mahanjana said during the meeting, it is alleged that the two gave the Hawks official a gratification of R100 000 for Chisele to avoid prosecution in an ongoing investigation.

“During the bail proceedings, the State did not oppose their release on bail. Prosecutor Ngoako Mokumo submitted an affidavit from Investigating Officer Captain Johannes Labuschagne, confirming that both accused have verified addresses, no previous convictions or pending cases, and are not considered flight risks.

“The case has been postponed to 27 February 2026 for further investigation,” she said.

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Two apartheid police found guilty of the murder of Caiphus Nyoka

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Picture: Sergeant, Abraham Hercules Engelbrecht and former Sergeant, Pieter Stander/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

8 December 2025- The Pretoria High Court sitting in Johannesburg High Court has found a former Sergeant, Abraham Hercules Engelbrecht (61), and former Sergeant, Pieter Stander (60), guilty of the premeditated murder of Caiphus Nyoka, a student activist and a member of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS). A former commanding officer, Major Leon Louis Van Den Berg (75) was acquitted on the charges. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said in the evening of 23 August 1987, the two who were members of the Reaction Unit within the South African Police Service (SAP) met to discuss a plan to kill Nyoka. Mahanjana said a plan to raid his home was devised. 

“In the early hours of 24 August 1987 at about 2:30am, Stander and Engelbrecht and other members of the Reaction Unit who are also charged separately, arrived at Nyoka’s homestead and stormed his room. They found him sleeping with three of his friends. After identifying him, they removed the friends from the room and thereafter proceeded to shoot him 9 times. He died on the scene as a result of multiple gunshot wounds. 

“During the trial, the state called 5 witnesses, Caiphus Nyoka’s two sisters, Alegria and Mothasi Nyoka, Gugulakhe Exodus Nyokane (one of the three friends Nyoka was with on the night of the incident), an expert witness who was the TRC researcher Dr Rousseau and the Investigating officer of the case, Liutenant Colonel Beukman,” she said.  

Mahanjana further said after the five witnesses testified, the state closed its case. She added that thereafter accused 1, who is now acquitted, and accused 2, brought a Section 174 application claiming that the state had no case. 

“After the court dismissed their application, all the accused closed their case. When handing down the judgment the court found that the state was able to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt in respect of Engelbrecht and Stander.

“The NPA welcomes the judgment where the two were found guilty.  However, the state will study the judgment in respect of the acquittal of Louis Van Den Berg. This court outcome is encouraging as this is a right step towards providing justice for the Nyoka family,” said Mahanjana.

She said the matter was postponed to 11 December 2025, for the bail application, pending sentence of Engelbrecht and Stander.  Mahanjana said the two are remanded in custody. 

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Former SSA senior officials arrested for theft and fraud of approximately R12m

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By AGISANANG SCUFF   

8 December 2025- The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) of the NPA, working closely with the State Security Agency (SSA), arrested two former members of the SSA on charges relating to the misappropriation of state funds on 30 November 2025. The suspects subsequently made their first court appearance at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria on 1 December 2025, and their matter was postponed to 26 January 2026 for disclosure and a high court date to be secured.

The IDAC spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said two were granted R20 000 bail each with stringent conditions attached. Mamothame said the conditions includes them surrendering their travel documents to the state, not interfering with the state witnesses, reporting to their respective police stations every Friday between 8am and 4pm, and they were prohibited from disposing of their immovable properties.

“Patrick Mshothola, who acted as Project Manager on various projects within the Chief Directorate Special Operations (CDSO) of the then State Security Agency (SSA), together with his co-accused, Thulani Dlomo who held the position of Deputy Director: Counterintelligence within the SSA, are being charged on allegations of theft, fraud, forgery and uttering,” he said.

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A call to probe NSFAS fund theft at Orbit TVET College

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Picture: Students on rampage at Orbit College in Rustenburg/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE  

8 December 2025- The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in the Bojanala Region calls on the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to open an urgent and transparent investigation into alleged theft of NSFAS funds at Orbit TVET College. The ANCYL Regional Task Team said it condemns any conduct of corruption and maladministration by institutions of higher learning and urges authorities to identify all parties who benefited from the unlawful withdrawals at Orbit TVET College.

ANCYL Bojanala regional coordinator, Pako Mokoua said the RTT strongly condemns student leaders who allow themselves to be manipulated by some institution management members into unlawfully withdrawal of funds meant for financially disadvantaged students instead of genuinely representing student interests. Mokuoa said while this criminal behaviour deserves serious punishment, the Youth League expresses particular concern for a young woman who was reportedly caught in a criminal network that has been perpetuated and orchestrated for a long time by the college administrations involving unauthorised withdrawals.

“ANCYL Bojanala demands a thorough investigation to identify all individuals who have benefited from these unlawful activities. As the league, we are convinced that the young woman is not acting alone, as it is improbable that one person could access public funds undetected without assistance from others in the college’s administrative management.

“Accountability must be enforced at all levels of management. ANC Youth League Bojanala calls on NSFAS to decentralize its services by establishing campus-based offices at every institution of higher learning. Such a step would help prevent the recurrence of these criminal practices, which have long plagued TVET colleges,” he said.

Mokuoa further said the ANC Youth League finds it regrettable that a young woman has become a scapegoat amid these ongoing irregularities. He added that they call on law enforcement authorities to arrest big fishes in this criminal network that has haunted TVET Colleges for a long time.

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NWMA continues to recognise excellence in journalism

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Picture: Ananias Ndlovu ( Founder – North West Media Awards) Shiela Mabale-Huma (Executive Mayor – Rustenburg Local Municipality) Dr Easy Matjila (Lifetime Archiement Award) Mr Snyman Rankane (Lifetime Archiement Award) Kenny Morolong (Deputy Minister in the Presidency) Louis Jacobs (North West University)/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 December 2025- SABC News photo-journalist, Jabu oa Afrika won prestigious awards at the North West Media Awards (NWMA) that took place at Rustenburg Civic Centre on Friday. Afrika won Poloko Tau Investigative News Story of the Year award and Journalist of the Year award.

The founder and organiser of the NWMA, Ananias Ndlovu said credible journalism is crucial. Ndlovu said traditional media holds power accountable and ensures transparency.

“The awards were made possible through the support of the North West University (NWU). So, we would like to thank the university for its commitment to media development. Louis Jacobs said the university is committed to uplifting the media sector.

“The North West Media Awards will continue to recognise excellence in journalism, broadcasting, communication and digital media. Special recognition was given to Snyman Rankane and Dr Easy Matjila. The awards were presented by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, executive mayor of Rustenburg Local Municipality, Shiela Mabale-Huma, and Louis Jacobs from the North West University,” he said.

Ndlovu further said Morolong announced that it is now law that 30% of the government advertising budget will be spent on community media.

Winners

Poloko Tau Investigative News Story of the Year:

Jabu Oa Afrika – SABC

Journalist of the Year:

Jabu Oa Afrika – SABC

Communicator of the Year:

Boitumelo Boweni – Department of Social Development, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District

Community Newspaper of the Year:

Klerksdorp Record

Newsletter of the Year:

Dikgang Tsa Rona – Department of Social Development, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District

Photographer of the Year:

Letlhogonolo Moleah – Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality

Community Radio Station of the Year:

NWU FM

Newsreader of the Year – Main Category:

Jane Nku – Vaaltar FM

Newsreader of the Year – Sub-Category:

Bahedile Selogilwe – Motsweding FM

Online Media House of the Year:

MDN TV

Radio Presenter of the Year – Main Category:

Bonolo “Miss Faith” Monaisa – NWU FM

Radio Presenter of the Year – Sub-Category:

Sweetness Motsepe – You FM

Radio Producer of the Year:

Peculiar Ntehelang – NWU FM

Radio Programme of the Year – Main Category:

Meso Ya Moribo – NWU FM

Radio Programme of the Year – Sub-Category:

Party Starter – You FM

Social Media Influencer of the Year:

Roana Grey

Social Media Platform of the Year:

Job Opportunities with Tshepo Fout

Sports Presenter of the Year – Main Category:

Kenneth Moswaane – Kgatleng FM

Sports Presenter of the Year – Sub-Category:

Mosela Mokgosi – Motsweding FM

Current Affairs Programme of the Year:

Tlatlana Ya Dikgang – Kgatleng FM

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North West Legislature to Conduct Public Hearings on Division of Revenue Amendment Bill 2025 and the North West Adjustments Appropriation Bill, 2025

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Picture: The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Premier and Finance, Nathan Oliphant

By BAKANG MOKOTO

8 December 2025- On Monday, the North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Premier and Finance will be conducting public hearings on the Division of Revenue Amendment Bill [ B 28 – 2025]  and the North West Adjustments Appropriation Bill, 2025 at Moshana Community Hall in Ramotshere Local Municipality near Lehurutshe, Banquet Hall in Potchefstroom in JB Marks Local Municipality, Moretele Municipality Hall in Moretele Local Municipality and Pudumong  Community Hall in Greater Taung Local Municipality at 10am.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Nathan Oliphant said Division of Revenue Amendment Bill [B 28 – 2025] seeks to amend the Division of Revenue Act, 2025, in accordance with the Money Bills and Related Matters Act, 2009; and to provide for matters connected therewith. Oliphant said the North West Adjustments Appropriation Bill, 2025 seeks to effect the appropriation of money from the Provincial Revenue Fund for the requirements of the Province in respect of the 2025/26 financial year, and to provide for matters incidental thereto.

“Relevant stakeholders have been invited to attend the public hearings. Members of the public who are unable to attend the public hearing can join through Microsoft Teams virtual platform through clicking on the QR code on the advert of the public hearing shared in all media platforms (including NWPL Facebook Page).

“The public hearings will be streamed live on the North West Provincial Legislature Facebook page,” he said.

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ANC Veterans League celebrates COSATU’s 40th anniversary 

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Picture: COSATU celebrates its 40thanniversary

By BAKANG MOKOTO

8 December 2025- Forty years ago, in 1985, workers from across the country gathered in Durban, now e-Thekwini, to launch the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu). After months of unity talks, 33 unions representing 450 000 workers from different traditions of union organisation came together in one of the more brutal years of apartheid repression.

The inaugural congress was convened by none other than the current President of the country, Cyril Ramaphosa and elected Jay Naidoo as the General Secretary and Elijah Barayi as President. The incoming president called on the apartheid government to end the state of emergency and take the troops out of the township – signalling from the beginning that Cosatu was committed to standing up for workers and the working class beyond shop floor issues.

The ANC Veterans league president, Snuki Zikalala said for its forty years of existence, Cosatu has been faithful to that call. Zikalala said it joined the Tripartite Alliance, on the understanding that the national democratic revolution can only be achieved by the broad unity of the motive forces, with the working class in a leading position.

“Today, Cosatu continues to stand up for workers on the shop floor, the working class and the poor. It takes up issues such as pension reform, the high cost of living, a national minimum wage, and the need for a just transition in the face of climate change mitigation and adaptation.

“The unity that was demonstrated at the launch 40 years ago is as much needed today. In the face of global polarisation and the rise of the right, we look towards the progressive trade union movement to demonstrate that workers’ interests do not lie with false promises but solidarity and united action,” he said. 

Zikalala further said today, amongst the ranks of the Veterans League, they have many of the founding leaders of the trade union movement, including those from the exiled South African Congress of Trade Unions and the South African Allied Workers Union, whose centre in East London mobilised for one of South Africa’s best remembered consumer boycotts against Wilson Rowntree. He added that they salute all these former trade unionists for their contributions to worker unity and the building of a non-racial, non-sexist South Africa.

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