UDESMO calls for justice and protection for learners

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Picture: A visibly pregnant learner/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 September 2025- The United Democratic Students’ Movement (UDESMO) said it is horrified by the continuing violation of children in schools by those who are meant to protect them. UDESMO said the recent flood of cases, from St John’s College in Mthatha (Eastern Cape), to Tiyelelani

Secondary in Soshanguve (Gauteng), from St Bernard High in Bloemfontein (Free State), to Thubalethu Secondary in Pinetown (KwaZulu-Natal), and Sunward Park High in Boksburg (Gauteng), shows that what should be a place of learning has become a hunting ground for predators hiding behind the title of “teacher.”

UDESMO Chairperson in Eastern Cape, Lucia Matomane said they cannot pretend that these are isolated incidents. Matomane said girls as young as 12 and 14, are being preyed upon.

“They are being impregnated, forced into abortions, infected with diseases and threatened into silence. These crimes are ripping futures away from young people before their lives have even begun. The pain and anger of learners are boiling over.

“When pupils are forced to protest and shut down schools just to be heard, it shows the system has failed them. The silence of adults who should act faster is part of the problem.

But there are signs that justice can prevail,” she said.

Matomane further said in one case, a teacher who impregnated a learner, infected her with HIV and then tried to escape responsibility was struck off the roll and ordered by a court to pay maintenance. She added that is what it looks like when the law works — but it should never take this long and it should never be the exception.

“UDESMO demands more than words of sympathy. We demand no bail for accused teachers. Our children’s lives matter more than the freedom of predators. Swift prosecutions and maximum sentences for offenders is necessary.

“Educators found guilty of sexual offences against learners must be struck off the roll and be permanently listed on the National Child Protection Register. Also, real support for survivors in the form of counselling, protection and dignity is needed,” said Matomane.

She said enough is enough and schools must be safer places. Matomane said their teachers must be trustworthy and their generation refuses to accept a future, where classrooms are places of fear.

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Seven suspects nabbed for possession of stolen goods

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By OBAKENG MAJE

24 September 2025- As the festive season approaches, the police in the Greater Kimberley remain vigilant in their efforts to address property related crimes. During routine stop and search actions, the police stopped and searched a group of people in Beaconsfield on Tuesday afternoon, 23 September 2025 at approximately 5:10pm.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said several items believed to be the property of a local post office were found in their possession. Ehlers said seven suspects (six men and one woman) aged between 25 and 32, were subsequently arrested on charges of possession of suspected stolen property and business burglary.

“A preliminary investigation indicated that there was a break in at a post office in the Kimberley area. The suspected stolen property, including a variety of stationery items to the approximate value of R16 000 was recovered and confiscated and investigations continue.

“SAPS will continue to address prevalent crimes in the hotspot areas and will reinforce efforts to address these crimes during the Festive Season period,” she said.

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Residents in Kolong receive a new borehole

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Picture: A new borehole in Kolong village

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 September 2025- The residents of Kolong village, near Taung said they are happy to finally receive the borehole. It has been years since the residents urged the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality to construct a borehole in the area in order for them to have access to clean, safe drinkable water.

One of the community leaders, Maserame Magare said the newly-built borehole will improve their living standards and address the severe water shortages they have been subjected to for years. Magare said the provision of boreholes also brings joy, relief, and a sense of security to communities who previously relied on contaminated or distant water sources.

“Remember, boreholes supply clean drinking water, reducing illnesses like diarrhea and stomach aches that stem from contaminated water. So, we are excited to finally receive it. We have been fighting for it for years,” she said.

The executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Maje urged the community to ensure the safety of the borehole and all other developmental assets. Maje, who was accompanied by a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsible for Engineering and Technical Services, Pico Seepamere, Ward 12 councillor, Lerato Babuseng, handed over equipping the existing borehole to the community on Monday.

“The newly-equipped borehole has cost the district municipality over R864 000. The community has been without water for over ten years. They previously embarked on protest actions, in demand of clean drinking water.

“As a temporary relief, the district municipality has now provided the community with a borehole, while still busy with a project of bulk water infrastructure to be completed soon. The municipality’s commitment to ensuring the provision of essential bulk infrastructure services, that include water supply,” he said.

Maje further said they made a commitment to provide short-term solutions to the challenges. He added that it would take them some time because there are processes to be followed, which included the testing of water.

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1038 suspects nabbed for various crimes

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Picture: Police arresting one of the suspects during Operation Shanela/Generic

By AGISANANG SCUFF

23 September 2025- As part of stamping the authority of the state, the weekly High Density Operation Shanela conducted between 15 and 21 September 2025, resulted in the arrest of 1038 suspects for different transgressions across the North West province. The operation, among others, focused on stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle check points (VCPs), high-visibility patrols including foot patrols, the tracing of wanted suspects as well as visits to liquor outlets, taverns, and second-hand goods premises.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the suspects include 21 for murder, 10 for robbery, 43 for rape, 275 for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), 70 for common assault, 12 for burglary at business and residential premises and 19 for illegal possession of firearms. Myburgh said this includes 30 for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 76 for contravention of the Immigration Act, 24 for illegal dealing in liquor and 129 for possession of drugs.

“Out of the 1038 suspects, 489 were circulated wanted suspects and nabbed by the detectives after being linked to the committed crimes through forensic DNA and other leads.

“Furthermore, police confiscated 18 firearms, 82 fireworks, three vehicles, 99 rounds of ammunition, three cellular phones, tablets, laptops, liquor and a variety of drugs and tobacco products,” she said.

Myburgh further said in Lomanyaneng village, a security guard at a school was overpowered by three men, wearing balaclavas in the early hours of the morning on Wednesday, 17 September 2025. She added that the men allegedly pointed the victim with a firearm and tied him before gaining entry into the staff room, where they stole tablets and laptops.

“The security guard was only rescued the next morning by cleaners, while reporting for duty. Acting on a tip-off, the police proceeded to a house in Lomanyaneng on 18 September 2025, and arrested the accused, Mogomotsi Bennet Sebolaneng (37), and recovered three laptops, 15 tablets and a gas pistol, believed to have been used during the commission of the crime.

“Sebolaneng appeared before the Molopo Magistrate’s Court on 22 September 2025, on a charge of business robbery. He abandoned his bail application after it was established that he was out on bail for a similar offence and was remanded in custody until 30 October 2025,” said Myburgh.

She said in another separate incident, an intelligence driven operation conducted at Freedom Park, Phase 1, Phokeng on Thursday night, 18 September 2025, by Rustenburg Public Order Police (POP), led to the search, arrest of two men and recovered two firearms, ammunition, explosives as well as dye-stained money. Myburgh said Itu Monjane (33) and Nelson Lahlewe Huahwa (34), appeared before the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court on 22 September 2025, on charges of possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, explosives and dye-stained money.

“The pair was remanded in custody and will apply for bail at their next court appearance. Ongoing investigations by the Murder and Robbery Unit in Nietverdiend concerning the Masebudula incident, led to the recovery of a R1 and R5 Rifle with 25 rounds of ammunition on 20 September 2025. Investigations are continuing.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Dintletse Molefe, thanked all police officers and other role players for their continuous efforts to confiscate illegal firearms, which are used to commit violent and serious crimes.

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Deputy Principal accused of raping a learner granted R5000 bail

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

23 September 2025- The deputy principal (53) at Bronkhorstspruit Primary School, who is accused of raping a learner (8), was granted a R5000 bail by the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court. The deputy principal was instructed to report at Bronkhorstspruit Police Station twice a week (Mondays and Fridays between 6am and 6pm).

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said he was also ordered to refrain from contacting the complainant or her family, inform the investigating officer of any address change, and attend all court appearances. Mahanjana said he is facing three counts of rape for allegedly raping a learner.

“It is alleged that between June 2024 and August 2025, the accused raped the child on three occasions during school hours on school premises. The abuse came to light when the mother noticed the child walking strangely and upon inquiry, the child disclosed the incidents.

“The mother reported the matter to the police, leading to the accused’s arrest on 1 September 2025. In court, rosecutor Mantshadi Tumelo Ledwaba, opposed the accused release on bail and argued that the accused was a flight risk and is facing serious offences against a child,” she said.

Mahanjana further said, however, the magistrate found exceptional circumstances justifying his release on bail. She added that the matter was postponed to 24 October 2025, for regional court.

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for murder

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By REGINALD KANYANE

23 September 2025 – A murderer, Phako Tlape (33) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mmabatho Regional Court. This comes after Tlape was found guilty of killing Sebule Isaac Sebule (31).

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the evidence presented before court by the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Samuel Matiti of the Trio Task Team in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, indicated that police were called to a tavern in Dithakong West in Lomanyaneng village, near Mahikeng on 29 July 2023 at around 6:40pm, where the lifeless body of Sebule was found with several stabbing wounds. Myburgh said Sebule was declared dead on the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS).

“Following up on information received, eyewitnesses positively identified the suspect, Tlape, who was arrested later the same day. Furthermore, in terms of Section 103(1) of the Firearm Control Act, Act 60 of 2000, Tlape was also declared unfit to possess a firearm by the court,”
 she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Dintletse Molefe, welcomed the sentence and commended the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Samuel Matiti, as well as the prosecutor, advocate Nthabiseng Thabeng, for their collaboration and hard work that led to this success.  Molefe further remarked that this lengthy sentence will go a long way towards addressing serious and violent crimes and ensure the removal of dangerous, heartless criminals from society.

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Murder, attempted murder, kidnapping case postponed  

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Picture: One of the firearms confiscated during raid/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 September 2025- A murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery and malicious damage to property case against twelve accused has been postponed to 6 October 2025, by the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court.  Twelve accused aged between 21 and 48, were remanded in custody.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the accused were arrested in connection with the murder of Mzomuhle Themba Zulu (35), attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery and malicious damage to property. Myburgh said this comes after a team of detectives was established to investigate shooting incidents at Marula Kop village in the Masebudula area, close to Nietverdiend on Tuesday morning, 16 September 2024.

“The initial investigations indicated that an alleged conflict between two security companies led to the attack, wherein Zulu was fatally wounded. Furthermore, a driver of a taxi was kidnapped, but shortly rescued by the police after the incident.

“Five people were wounded, firearms were robbed and numerous vehicles were rammed by a Nyala (armoured vehicle). The information about the suspects were gathered and operationalised, leading to their arrest on the same day,” she said.

Myburgh further said the police also confiscated an assortment of rifles, pistols and ammunition alleged to be used during the commission of the crime.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Dintletse Molefe, applauded the detective team for working diligently until all suspects were arrested, shortly after the incidents were reported. Molefe added that the police will continue to work hard to ensure that the criminals face the full might of the law and successful prosecution is achieved in court.

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Olympia Park Stadium ready to host PSL matches

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Picture: The Olympia Stadium in Rustenburg/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

23 September 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it welcomes the transformation and development of the Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg. The DA said their ongoing oversight and consistent advocacy for community-focused development are yielding positive results, ensuring that upgrades to the stadium bring real benefits to local residents.

DA spokesperson on Sport, Arts and Culture in North West, Joe McGluwa said the improvements at Olympia Park Stadium promise a range of key benefits. McGluwa said local soccer teams will now have access to the stadium, boosting soccer development and nurturing young talent.

“The project also creates economic opportunities by supporting local businesses, providing jobs, and increasing overall economic activity in the area. Furthermore, the upgraded facilities will enhance the experience for players, supporters, and visitors, while positioning the stadium as a premier sporting destination in the North West.

“The DA’s oversight visits have highlighted encouraging developments, such as contributions from local mining companies towards the stadium’s improvement. Already, Olympia Park has successfully hosted night games, demonstrating the stadium’s enhanced capacity,” he said.

McGluwa further said next Wednesday, the stadium will proudly host a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match, a milestone that reflects the stadium’s growing importance in the province’s sporting landscape. He added that the DA is encouraged by this progress and will continue to monitor developments to ensure that Olympia Park Stadium remains a hub of opportunity and community growth.

“We look forward to seeing the continued benefits for soccer enthusiasts, small businesses, hawkers, and the broader Rustenburg community,” said.

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Head Injury assessments shouldn’t leave supporters scratching their head

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Picture: North West University (NWU), Professor Hans de Ridder/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

23 September 2025- South Africans are still basking in the glow of the Springboks’ emphatic 43–10 dismantling of the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship. It was a win that restored pride, silenced doubters and reaffirmed South Africa’s place at the summit of world rugby.

Now the Springboks will host Argentina in Durban as Rassie Erasmus’ men look to defend their Rugby Championship crown in the coming two weeks. Yet in between the moments of brilliance, the crowd’s patience is often tested by those now-familiar stoppages for Head Injury Assessments (HIAs).

Supporters groan when a star player is led off, frustrated by the interruption. What many fail to realise is that those pauses are not trivial, they are safeguards against tragedies that may unfold long after the final whistle.

Few have spent more time studying this balance of triumph and tragedy than Professor Hans de Ridder of North West University (NWU). A leading researcher in sports science, de Ridder argued that concussions are not inconveniences but “traumatic brain injuries caused by biomechanical forces, often rotational accelerations, transmitted to the brain.”

“In rugby, football, hockey and boxing, these forces are frequent and often celebrated as part of the game’s intensity. No helmet or technique can fully eliminate concussion risk, especially in high-impact sports. The culture of “toughing it out” is one of the sport’s greatest dangers.

“Athletes often push through pain for the sake of victory, team loyalty or career advancement. This creates a psychological conflict. A short-term glory versus long-term cognitive health. The ethical response is straightforward. From a duty-of-care perspective, coaches, trainers and organisations must prioritise health over performance,” said de Ridder.

He further said athletes must be fully informed about the risks. De Ridder added that glory should not come at the cost of irreversible neurological damage.

“Research is painting an increasingly grim picture of repeated head trauma. Neurophysiology shows that repeated concussions – even sub-concussive impacts – can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, memory loss, depression and motor dysfunction.

“Sport scientists are working not only to identify early biomarkers of brain trauma but also to “develop rehabilitation protocols and return-to-play guidelines based on objective data,” he said.

De Ridder said South Africa has aligned itself with World Rugby protocols through SARU and BokSmart. But he points to innovations abroad, particularly in New Zealand.

“New Zealand Rugby has developed a Brain Health and Concussion Risk Management. Framework that is both science-driven and adaptive. Instrumented mouthguards measure head impact forces in real time, while the ‘blue card’ system empowers referees to remove players at the first suspicion of concussion.

“South Africa is experimenting with similar technologies, such as NeuroFlex® virtual reality and SCAT6 protocols. New Zealand includes players, parents and medical staff in its education strategy. South Africa could benefit from broader community-level education tailored to local languages and cultural contexts,” said de Ridder.

He also highlights collaboration opportunities.

“The NWU is investigating a possible agreement with Lincoln University in Christchurch, led by Prof Mike Hamlin. Shared research, joint training programmes and pooled data could help us better understand concussion recovery and long-term outcomes.

“The issue is not confined to elite sport. A concussion isn’t just a bump or a bruise. It’s a brain injury. Even if you feel fine, the effects can linger silently, affecting memory, mood, sleep and future performance,” he said.

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Inaugural Diamond and Dorings Kimberley Big Hole Marathon Media Launch

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Picture: Diamond and Dorings’ event in Kimberley

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

23 September 2025- The Northern Cape Provincial Government (NCPG) in collaboration with the Athletics Griqualand West Federation will launch the inaugural Diamond and Dorings Kimberley Big Hole Marathon. The NCPG said the Inaugural Diamond and Dorings Kimberley Big Hole Marathon celebrates Kimberley’s rich diamond-mining and liberation heritage and community spirit, with race distances that cater to all, from elite runners to casual runners.

The Northern Cape Provincial Government spokesperson, Naledi Gaosekwe said the marathon will feature 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km routes, bringing the city to life in a celebration of endurance, history and togetherness. Gaosekwe said the media launch will be led by the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul and will include key announcements about the marathon, its purpose, and its anticipated impact on tourism and community development in the region.

“The prize money available for the race day winners of the various race categories will also be announced at the launch. The media launch will take place at Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre on 29 September 2025, at 8am.

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